Cookson Secures Elite Women’s Team Partners

18 Apr 2018 | tshego

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Former UCI president, Brian Cookson, has announced partnerships with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and BeaconFell to form an elite women’s cycling team from 2019.

Cookson announced his plans to develop a women’s team in November following his lost bid for re-election as UCI president to David Lappartient.

The team is aiming to compete in the UCI Women’s World Tour, a top-tier global series of events that covers more than 20 races in ten countries.

UCLan, a university based in Preston, will support the team’s development in areas such as fitness testing, coaching, nutrition support, physiotherapy and medical assessments.

Both partners have signed a memorandum of understanding to cement the partnership, with Cookson also noting that discussions were underway with potential sponsors and suppliers of goods and services. Non-governmental organisation World Bicycle Relief has been named as the team’s charity partner.

Cookson said: “There has never been a better moment for an initiative like this. Over the last couple of years, the public have begun to show a real and hugely increased interest in women’s sport of all kinds.

“Our ambitious plan is that this will not just become the best women’s team in cycling, but that it will be a powerful tool for change in sport and in society – with a global roster of top women cyclists, the team will work with funders and sponsors to raise awareness of women’s health and fitness issues, in ways appropriate to each society’s culture, economy, and opportunities.”

UCLan deputy vice-chancellor Liz Bromley said: “We have a wide range of expertise for the cyclists to tap into, including support with nutrition, strength and conditioning and regular fitness tests as well as helping to promote the team through marketing, business planning and media coverage.

“It’s fantastic to see an increase in the number of women cycling competitively and creating role models for the future. The UCI and British Cycling have both committed to closing the gender gap in cycling and we are delighted to play a small part in this.”