National federations want answers from Cookson

National federations want answers from UCI President Brian Cookson about the independent report into the culture of British Cycling that highlighted a “culture of fear” while he was president of BC, before Cookson stands for re-election this September.

Tom Van Damme, Belgian federation president, told CW: “We have a board meeting in Copenhagen [next week] and I expect that Brian Cookson will give his full explanation to the board. I would like to hear the opinion of Brian, among others. I’m certain he’ll be happy to give his full explanation.”

Cookson said he would run for another four-year term having narrowly won in 2013 and leaving his post as BC president. David Lappartient, head of the French national federation and the European federation, and Van Damme, may also campaign. Lappartient would not comment on the report into BC.

Italian federation president Renato Di Rocco said: “It’s important that we have concrete proof. If there are investigations and someone is saying that Cookson is responsible, then it’s right that we have clarity. Brian put much of the UCI’S money into the CIRC report, €2 million, to look into [Hein] Verbruggen and [Lance] Armstrong, so in the same manner, we need clarity what’s going on with him.”

Spain’s federation president, José Luis López Cerrón said: “I need this information to decide. It’s important for Spain if Cookson is still going to present himself as a candidate.”

Cookson said he would “happily address any questions” from UCI committee members. He added: “It is important to stress that I was not accused of any wrong-doing in the UK Sport inquiry and I certainly stand by my conduct and by our achievements, both at British Cycling and the UCI, but of course the journey of improvement is never over.”