Lappartient to stand for UCI presidency in September elections, Cookson stands firm

Long-running speculation that David Lappartient would run for the UCI presidency has today proven correct with the Frenchman confirming that he will challenge current president Brian Cookson in the September elections.

44-year-old Lappartient has been a fixture within the UCI for more than a decade as a member of the steering committee. Having previously also long held the role of president of the French Cycling Federation, he decided to stand aside this year, something that further fueled rumours of his now official bid for the UCI reigns.

Cookson has since issued a confident statement having learned of his challenger’s intentions, stating:

“I strongly believe that my track record of restoring integrity and credibility to the UCI, and developing cycling over the past four years, together with my plans for a final four year term as president, will be judged favourably by the cycling family at the UCI Congress in Bergen in September.

“My plans can be read on my campaign website www.briancookson.org together with some of the messages of support I have been proud to receive from across the cycling world, from those most familiar with the work of my administration.

“That website also contains a summary of the many things which have been achieved over the last four years of my leadership of the UCI across anti-doping, governance, transparency, women’s cycling, communication and the development of the sport. Having recently had confirmation from the IOC that at the Tokyo Games we will have additional medals for men’s and women’s events in both the Madison and BMX Freestyle, I am proud that cycling is now the third largest Olympic sport.

“Having changed the constitution of the UCI to introduce term limits and improve the election process after the controversial events of four years ago, I respect other people’s right to announce their candidature. I note that so far David Lappartient has not set out very much detail in his plan or any vision he may have beyond his well known personal ambition for the role. I look forward to debating what matters for the future of cycling over the coming months.”

CyclingTips has an in-depth analysis of Lappartient’s proposed manifesto for change available here.