Webb and Biggar back in harness for Italy trip
BRIAN Cookson’s hopes of serving a second term as president of cycling’s world governing body have ended in embarrassing fashion as he was beaten 37 votes to eight by French rival David Lappartient.
The former British Cycling president has run the International Cycling Union (UCI) since 2013 and wanted another four-year spell in charge before retiring at 70.
The heavy defeat is a reflection of what many observers have described as a lacklustre campaign and the damage done to Cookson’s reputation by the negative headlines that have dogged British Cycling, the organisation he ran from 1997 to 2013.
In a statement released immediately after the vote, Cookson congratulated Lappartient and thanked his team for their “tireless work” in improving the UCI’s standing in world sport.
“The UCI I leave behind is unrecognisable from the organisation I took over in 2013 and I depart with my head held high,” he said.
“Someone needed to stand up and take on the previous regime, who had dragged cycling into the gutter, and I leave the UCI knowing that I have delivered all the promises I made four years ago.
“Our beloved sport of cycling is in a healthier condition than for generations. Our relationships with key stakeholders such as the IOC, WADA, sponsors, race organisers, teams, riders and, most importantly, our fans, is stronger than it has ever been.
“Our work to promote gender equality, our drive to broaden the appeal of our sport and ensure greater opportunities and support for developing nations means that cycling now inspires and excites millions more around the world.”
There were some stern words from Tandy in the immediate aftermath of the Munster loss and the head coach has demanded significant improvements this weekend.
“It’s essential that we raise our game several levels from where it was last week, and we need to perform for 80 minutes, not 40, 50 or 60, starting on Friday night,” he said.
“As a collective, we’ve had to take a long hard look at ourselves, and the review process from last weekend has been a tough one.
“What is important though is that we don’t dwell on the past, we have to learn our lessons and look ahead at a busy period of tough games.
“This is going to be a new experience for us, taking an extended squad away for 10 days and spending time together as a group for two matches.
“We’re all looking forward to using this period productively and really kicking on as a group. There’ll be no distractions, the focus will be entirely on getting things right.”
He added: “We know what to expect from Treviso. They’ll be physical, well organised and their strength will be up front as always.
“They’ve got a new coaching set-up this season as well which is already having a positive impact and they’ll go into the game full of confidence after a good win on the road against Edinburgh.
“There are some exciting fixtures coming up, with Cheetahs and Scarlets in the PRO14 and Clermont and Saracens in Europe, big games, and we have to enjoy the challenge, starting this weekend.”