ZDENEK BAKALA

OPQS OWNER, AGENT OF CHANGE?

The Czech billionaire and Omega Pharma- Quick Step team co- owner’s attempt to establish the ‘ World Cycling Project’ may have been knocked back by UCI president Brian Cookson but there is no doubt that Zdenek Bakala will be a major force in the sport over the next few years. Bakala quickly identified the need to bring the UCI, the teams and the race organisers together in order to agree on a new structure for cycling and substantially boost revenue from TV rights. He has also said he is prepared to back this move by providing up to €20 million to finance a new organisation charged with the professionalisation of the sport. Such largesse will surely be welcomed.