Reaction to Brian Cookson's election as UCI president (+ video)

The cycling world has been reacting  to news of British Cycling president Brian Cookson's election today, by 24 votes to 18, to reolace rival Pat McQuaid as UCI president . Here's a selection of what has been said, but first a video featuring Cookson himself, filmed in the Salone del Cinquecento in Florence's Palazzo Vecchio where the vote was held.

UK Minister of Sport, Hugh Robertson

I congratulate Brian Cookson on becoming the President of the UCI. 

Cycling in Britain has never been in a better place as it is right now, on both participation and elite fronts, and Brian deserves a lot of credit for that. 

I am sure he will do a fantastic job taking the sport forward globally.

Renato di Rocco, president of Italian national federation, the FCI

I offer my compliments to the new UCI president, Brian Cookson, who has won this prestigious role.

The hope is to continue along this road of renewal that has been taken in the last few years, to proceed together in the common goal of a cycling that is even more international, transparent, secure and clean.

Jaimie Fuller, chairman of clothing firm Skins and founder of pressure group Change Cycling Now

The thing Pat clearly didn’t realise in the final months that lead up to the election, was that the more determined he got to rebuff the criticism and accusations of malfeasance, the more determined we all were to drive home the message.

Brian Cookson’s election is a massive shot in the arm for world cycling and I’m delighted we were in some way, a part of getting him through the door.

Travis Tygart, United States Anti Doping Agency CEO

USADA welcomes cycling’s vote for a new and clean future.

The outcome of the UCI election sends a powerful message that sport leaders who fail to fully protect the rights of clean athletes and the integrity of their sport will be held accountable.

The UCI tried to obstruct our investigation into doping in cycling at every turn, and then after the release of our reasoned decision the previous leadership failed to take necessary and decisive action to fully clean up the sport.

The election of a new UCI President who is committed to transparency and a new direction, is a monumental moment for the sport and demonstrates that when clean athletes stand up for their rights they will be heard.

We are confident that as President, Mr. Cookson will take the decisive action needed, so that cycling can truly unshackle itself from the past and pursue a clean culture for future generations of cyclists.

Lance Armstrong, 1993 road world champion

Hallelujah.

 

Pat McQuaid, former UCI President

I would like to extend my congratulations to Brian on his success in being elected UCI President. Being elected UCI President was one of the proudest moments in my life and I know that it is also a proud occasion for Brian, his family and his supporters.

It has been a huge privilege to serve the sport that I love as UCI President for eight years and I enjoyed every day that I spent working with all of our federations to improve and develop cycling worldwide.

Brian has set out what he intends to achieve over the next four years and I would encourage all cycling federations to support his efforts to work for the good of the sport.