Uci President To Stand For Potential Third Term

Pat McQuaid has secured the nomination of Cycling Ireland to stand for a potential third term as president of the International Cycling Union (UCI), on the condition that an independent review of the system of internal controls and processes takes place, with any findings to be made public.

Cycling Ireland’s nominations came with a number of other conditions, as the organisation called for engagement with stakeholders to re-write the existing Governance Code and the Code of Ethics, as set out in the constitution of the UCI. It was also requested that UCI presidents or vice-presidents serve a maximum number of two four-year terms and that no president, vice-president or management committee member can serve the UCI for more than 16 years in total over their life time, in any capacity.

Commenting on Cycling Ireland’s endorsement, McQuaid said: ‘I put myself forward to serve another term as UCI president on my record of developing the sport throughout the world and on combating the scourge of doping in cycling. I engaged thoroughly with board members on both subjects and I welcome their recognition of my achievements and their confidence in me as UCI president.’ 

‘The board has requested that I raise certain concerns on governance issues with the UCI Management Committee and I have undertaken to do so. I have set an ambitious agenda to continue developing the sport and to ensure that it remains at the forefront of the fight against doping in sport. I look forward to presenting myself for election with the support of my national federation and other federations worldwide.’

McQuaid – whose position has come under sustained pressure in the fallout from the Lance Armstrong saga – took the helm at the UCI in 2006, succeeding Hein Verbruggen, who now serves as the Union’s honorary president. 

American cycling legend Greg LeMond said in December that he was ready to run for the presidency after being asked by the Change Cycling Now pressure group. The three-time Tour de France champion called for McQuaid to resign last year following accusations that the UCI covered up a positive test from Armstrong for the banned blood booster EPO at the 2001 Tour de Suisse.

The Union’s new president will be decided 2013 UCI Congress, which will be held in September.