UK Sport Still Backing Cookson Despite Report Criticism

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(ATR) The chair of UK Sport says that they are still fully behind Brian Cookson’s bid for re-election as president of the UCI, despite a damning report which includes his time at British Cycling.

This week, UK Sport released an independent review of British Cycling that was undertaken following allegations of bullying and a "culture of fear" within the governing body from 2012 until now, particularly focusing on the behavior of former technical director Shane Sutton.

Cookson was the chair of British Cycling until September 2013, when he was elected as the head of the UCI.

The ‘Independent Review into the Climate and Culture of the World Class Programme in British Cycling’ revealed how "cultural and behavioral issues" within the Great Britain cycling team had been apparent since late 2012, but addressing those was not prioritized by the leadership due to the pursuit of medals.

It also stated how good governance was lacking at board level, which has already led to change at the organization with Jonathan Browning taking on the role of chair and Julie Harrington being appointed CEO.

Despite admitting that there were failings to address serious allegations within British Cycling during Cookson’s tenure, UK Sport chair Liz Nicholl said in answer to an ATR question he was doing "a fantastic job" at the UCI and that he would have their backing for re-election in September.

"We are supporting his [Brian Cookson] standing again as president of the UCI," Nicholl said. "And we’re doing that in the context of Brian’s done an excellent job at the UCI and we are very supportive of his candidature.

She added: "Don’t think we can say that as chair of British Cycling, Brian was responsible for the culture that developed but that the relationship between the board and the World Class Programme was not what it should have been.

"What I’m saying now is that Brian is operating as president of the UCI and he’s doing an excellent job, and he’s acknowledged by the nations as doing an excellent job. He’s acknowledged by the sports international community as doing an excellent job. So we’re supporting his candidature to lead the important sports body of the UCI.

"Despite what it says in the report, we are supporting Brian’s candidature."

Cookson ousted previous president Pat McQuaid almost four years ago in a fractious World Cycling Congress in Florence.

Since then, the Brit has implemented a number of reforms to help repair cycling’s tarnished image following the widespread doping scandal, exemplified by the fall of Lance Armstrong.

Earlier this month, Cookson announced his intention to stand again saying "I am seeking the continued trust and support of the cycling community, so we can build on the progress that we have made together over the last four years."

The election will take place during the road world championships in Bergen, Norway in September.

Written and reported by Christian Radnedgein London

Follow on Twitter: @ChristianRad

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