UCI chief lays out agenda for the international cycling body at the 184th UCI Congress in Richmond

Along with the establishment of a new Women’s World Tour — constituting a bounding leap forward for female riders in professional cycling — UCI president Brian Cookson, in an address at the 184th UCI Congress in Richmond, Virginia today, laid out his priorities for the next two seasons.

“I have a very clear and simple vision for what the UCI should ultimately be here for,” Clarkson said, addressing the world cycling body, “which is to work in true partnership with its Continental Confederations and National Federations to create great cycling events across the world, and to inspire people of all ages to be part of cycling — whether as a recreational rider, a commuter, an elite competitor or fan.”

“This mission will drive me as I continue as UCI president,” the global cycling leader added.

Cookson is also eyeing the expansion and enhanced professionalization of men’s road cycling as a highlight of his agenda, part of a bid to accelerate the restoration of global credibility to the sport, as he put it. Additionally, integrating BMX freestyle park riding into the UCI calendar, as well as the creation of the UCI urban cycling world championships — slated for 2017 — top his priorities going into the coming years.

After a dramatic few years, burnishing the global image of cycling, not surprisingly, is a big part of Cookson’s goals. “We have made significant progress over the past two years in terms of rebuilding trust and faith in the UCI and cycling,” he said, “and in growing the sport globally. Everyone in the cycling family can feel the growing confidence our sport is now seeing from broadcasters and other stakeholders in light of the progress we are making to rebuild trust.”

“There is much to look forward to as I focus on delivering the remainder of my Manifesto and creating an environment where cycling can flourish and prosper.”

Facilitating this plan, other news emerging from the UCI Congress in Richmond, Virginia includes the appointment of a new, fully independent member to the UCI Ethics Commission. France’s Bernard Foucher, previously an administrative tribunal judge and advisor to his country’s government, joins Commission president Richard Leggat, Canada’s John Tolkamp, and Marcel Winters of the Netherlands. “The current [UCI Code of Ethics] has been found to be lacking in a number of areas, including its jurisdiction and application,” said Leggat, saying that the redrafting of that Code is the Commission’s number one priority going forward. “We plan to present a new Code to Congress next year.”

Iceland, Kosovo, Mauritania and Vanuatu have also been added as National Federations to the UCI at this Congress, bringing the organization’s total membership numbers to 185 — the highest in UCI history.