UCI Management Slams McQuaid

(ATR) Two members of the International Cycling Union’s (UCI) management committee have condemned efforts by sitting president Pat McQuaid to change the nomination process in advance of next month’s presidential election in Florence, Italy.

In separate statements, Mike Plant and Igor Makarov slammed McQuaid and his attempts to have the UCI’s constitution amended in time for the September 27 decision.

If approved by two-thirds of the 42 delegates, the modification would be passed on the morning of the election.

"It’s outrageous," Plant told Around the Rings. "[It’s] what you read about in the world news in countries that don’t have a democratic process. Here we are pontificating democracy. Are you kidding me? That’s called dictatorship and autocracy. That’s called election-rigging."

What has Plant animated is a proposed change that would see McQuaid as seemingly the sole beneficiary. The controversy stems from the fact that Article 51 currently states that "the candidates for presidency shall be nominated by the federation of the candidate."

Until now, this has been taken to mean the candidate’s home federation. McQuaid’s home federation, Cycling Ireland, rescinded his endorsement earlier this year. His nomination by Swiss Cycling, gained through his time as a Swiss resident, is pending legal appeal at the moment.

"Which country has a sitting president that his own federation withdraws his membership?" said Plant. "That speaks volumes obviously about what they think about your leadership. If you have a sitting president, you continue to support that guy."

The proposed change would free potential candidates from being beholden to their home country. Under the change, any two federations, regardless of a candidate’s residency, would be free to submit a nomination. The Malaysian federation, which proposed the change, is believed to be one of those willing to support McQuaid.

"I take the opportunityof this letter to inform you that should this unlawful process be maintained, I already intend to challenge, by all legal means, any decision taken by the UCI Congress in this respect and any other infringements to the UCI constitution," said Makarov in a letter leaked to UK’s The Telegraph.

Plant made it clear that it was not necessarily the rule he opposed, but the timing.

"This might be a good idea. But not retroactive to the election taking place that day," said Plant in a phone interview. "It all just stinks. It lacks credibility and it lacks professionalism. It’s completely distasteful. I’m not condoning it and I’m not tolerating it."

The new president will chair the management committee, of which Plant and Makarov are members.

The only other candidate for president at this point is Brian Cookson. Cookson has been the head of British Cycling since 1997. If McQuaid is unable to maintain eligibility, he would automatically become president.

Written by Nick Devlin

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