The event is too rare not to be highlighted: the numerous affairs which are currently shaking the international sports movement spare cycling. FIFA was hit first, unceremoniously. Then the IAAF took it for granted. The UCI, on the other hand, is going through a calm and almost serene period. A Brian Cookson effect? The British president of the International Cycling Union (our photo) was present in Washington at the end of October for the general assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). He accepted, for FrancsJeux, to provide a broad overview of the most discussed topics of the moment.
FrancsJeux: The IOC recently suggested entrusting the management of the fight against doping, all sports combined, to a single, independent organization. Are you in favor of it?
Brian Cookson: The idea is interesting. We are obviously very favorable to it, at the UCI, even if we will have to know the details, the procedures and the means before going any further. But we have already taken this path, long before the IOC suggested the idea. At the UCI, we have created an independent structure to supervise controls, we have set up independent legal expertise and a tribunal to deal with questions related to doping. We are ahead of the Olympic movement's proposal. And we are proud of it. Despite this, we would be ready to collaborate on the initiative of an independent organization ensuring the controls of all international federations, provided that the project proves realistic and effective.
The IOC, again, strongly encourages international federations to favor gender parity, to the point of making it a criterion for eligibility for the Olympic Games. What is the state of play on this issue in world cycling?
We are devoting a huge amount of effort and resources to developing women’s cycling. The first edition of the Women's World Tour will be organized next year. Women are more involved than ever, both in cycling and within the UCI. Since my election, a women's commission has been created, we now have a woman as vice-president and at least one woman in each of our commissions. We are very active, in particular by strengthening television coverage of women's events. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, the number of medals will be the same for girls and boys, although there will be more male participants in mountain biking and road races. But we have to be realistic: globally, cycling is less common among women than among men. We must move forward step by step.
Nine months before the Rio Games, it seems that the construction of the velodrome is significantly behind schedule. Does this worry you?
The Brazilians are late, indeed. But they assured us that the velodrome would be finished in time for the pre-Olympic events in March 2016. I have no reason not to trust them. And I am very optimistic for the other disciplines. The pre-Olympic mountain bike event was a great success. The problems encountered on the BMX track during the “test events” will be resolved. And the road race promises to be very interesting, selective and extremely spectacular.
The Danish bank Saxo Bank, the second partner of the Tinkoff-Saxo team, announced its decision last month to leave the peloton. Isn’t professional cycling threatened by the flight of sponsors?
The situation is not worrying. It seems much more favorable to me than 12 months ago and even makes me rather optimistic. Last season we only had 16 teams registered on the Pro Tour. For next season, we have received 17 application files, one last could arrive. It is therefore possible that we arrive at 18 formations, the maximum number authorized by the circuit regulations. Some new partners are knocking on the door, the landscape is changing, even if the balance remains fragile. It is now up to us to seek out the resources where they are. Priority in the Gulf countries. They have the means and show the desire to get involved in cycling. Our interest, at the UCI, is to meet them.
Five cities are applying to host the 2024 Games. In your capacity as president of the UCI, how do you evaluate the candidacy files of each one?
For us, the 2024 Games cannot be reduced to two weeks of Olympic competitions and two weeks of Paralympics. They cannot be reduced to sites and constructions. We look beyond. We think in terms of the legacy that the Games will leave for cycling and its development. The Games will have to create a real impact on the practice of cycling in the country, making young people want to take up cycling. The example of the London Olympics is very interesting. In the months that followed, the number of cycling clubs in Britain has grown rapidly. At the UCI, we will study the files from this angle before taking a position.
