LONDON (Reuters) - Brian Cookson, facing an election challenge for his presidency of cycling's governing body the UCI, launched a strong defence of his stewardship on Friday and said he expects to win another four-year period in office. <\/p>\n
He believes he has greatly improved the disastrous and controversy-ridden organisation he took over in 2013 and will continue to do so, especially in the areas of anti-doping, women's cycling and inspiring participation in the sport. <\/p>\n
The 66-year-old Briton beat Irishman Pat McQuaid in the last election and was hoping to be unopposed this time. <\/p>\n
He is being challenged, however, by UCI vice-president and European Cycling Union president David Lappartient from France, who Cookson described as having been the leader of the opposition for some time. <\/p>\n
The Frenchman announced his candidacy last month, 24 hours before the deadline. <\/p>\n
The restoration of UCI's credibility was an absolutely essential step, given the disastrous state of our reputation at the time, and I think we've made great progress, Cookson told a news conference. <\/p>\n
I worked very quickly to rebuild relations with the World Anti-Doping Agency at every level and we are now a highly trusted partner within the anti-doping community. <\/p>\n
People have to believe and trust in our sport. I set about rebuilding the integrity of it because we suffered a lot of reputational damage. German television had actually stopped covering the Tour de France and four years ago we were threatened with being removed from the Olympics. <\/p>\n
He pointed to a new ethics code, strengthening the UCI's financial position and growing cycling worldwide, with a record number of nations at the Rio Olympic Games and the development of the UCI Women's World Tour, with equal prize money. <\/p>\n
His manifesto includes continuing the global development of cycling, keeping an eye on the ball with anti-doping and using the elite level of cycling to inspire people to get on a bike for health benefits.\" <\/p>\n
Criticised publicly by his predecessor McQuaid, who called him a fraud, and by the disgraced former world champion and seven-times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Cookson said: I don't want their support. (Their criticism) is the best possible endorsement of me. <\/p>\n
The vote among 45 delegates will take place on Sept. 21 during the UCI road world championships in Norway. <\/p>\n
I think I have substantial support from all (geographical) areas, Cookson said. Do I think I'll win? Yes. <\/p>\n
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Cycling: "Great progress" made in restoring UCI's reputation - Cookson - Reuters<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" LONDON (Reuters) - Brian Cookson, facing an election challenge for his presidency of cycling's governing body the UCI, launched a strong defence of his stewardship on Friday and said he expects to win another four-year period in office. He believes he has greatly improved the disastrous and controversy-ridden organisation he took over in 2013 and will continue to do so, especially in the areas of anti-doping, women's cycling and inspiring participation in the sport. The 66-year-old Briton beat Irishman Pat McQuaid in the last election and was hoping to be unopposed this time. Continue reading