Vaughters could be cycling’s top dog someday

Could the head of international pro cycling some day be based in Denver?

Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Boulder-based Team GarminSharp, is taking steps toward possible consideration for pro cycling’s top post in the distant future. The Denver native and Cherry Creek High School graduate is getting his MBA at the University of Denver. With the International Cycling Union (UCI) under fire the past few years and Vaughters involved in cycling politics, the ambition makes sense.

“For sure, I’d consider it someday,” Vaughters said, “but I need a little more education and a little more experience and maturity.”

UCI’s current executive director is Pat McQuaid, 63, an amiable Irishmanwho has been heavily criticized during his eight-year term. He has frequently clashed with the Tour deFranceorganizing arm, ASO, and with the World Anti-DopingAgency over his handling of Lance Armstrong’s dopingban.

In September, McQuaid runs for a third term against Brian Cookson, 61, president of the hugely successful British Cycling.

Vaughters, 40, praises McQuaid for putting more teeth in drug testing. However, as president of the International Association of Professional Cycling Groups since 2009, Vaughters has battled withMcQuaid over the banning of race radios, which was rescinded.

TheMBAwill help him refine his management skills as his cycling team grows, but it could help him help the sport.

“You see all these governance issues in cycling where the sport is not really governed correctly,” Vaughters said. “And I see a lot of that.”

After his first semester, Vaughters may be on to something. He received straight A’s.

Bryn Lennon, Getty Images John Henderson, The Denver Post Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Team Garmin-Sharp, is pursuing an MBA at the University of Denver and is well-versed in the politics of cycling.