thom
____
- Location
- The Borough
Looks like reform needs to go to the DCU as well : http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/1...hocked-after-board-member-tests-positive.aspx
Reforming the UCI
- Thread starter Flying_Monkey
- Start date
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Smokin Joe
Squire
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
That is embarrassing!
I think a change of some sort is inevitable but I don't really have an opinion on what sort of reform should happen. In fact, prior to FM posting the above, I had no idea how the UCI was built. Got to say though, in my opinion that sort of national federation pyramid structure lends itself to back handers and greased palms as votes are bought. It's meant to offer a transparent and democratic system (and theoretically you can see why) but practice is perhaps different.
What I'd like to comment on is what I think might happen. I don't think it's going to be the 'root and branch' reform called for by Kimmage and others either. I think an old boys' network will prevail.
I think the UCI are at present between a rock and a hard place. I think McQuaid will go for sure - pushed onto his own sword, or a timely resignation (he's due to move on/upstairs anyway). I think the IOC will behind-the-scenes ensure that in an attempt to limit the fallout damage. The IOC are simply not going to back UCI over WADA (their baby) so the only give is at UCI.
Why do the IOC carry a deciding vote, the clout? Because they will otherwise turf cycling out of the Olympics and that would not go down well at national level, revolt would ensue. So however it plays out, McQuaid's out of UCI. So he'll go the less tumultuous route, he'll not defy the IOC.
The wild card, as I see it, is the pro-teams. They don't give a toss about the Olympics (the riders might, but not the teams) and they look to sponsors. I would not rule out a breakaway though I think it unlikely. I don't know how the UCI would respond to the threat of loosing pro-cycling. And further, maybe just maybe, this is the best way forward for both pro-cycling and Olympic/amateur cycling - separate governing bodies. Though I don't in all honesty see it happening.
As I said, what I think will happen is that McQuaid will go... and that's all. I think it will be spun as a managed response and voluntary, in no way reflecting the bitterness that went on to secure it. Pro teams will give a tentative acceptance but largely be thankful they haven't had to do anything too radical themselves... and business continues (they're strapped for cash generally speaking and can't afford 'down time' to do anything else).
Sorry if all that sounds cynical and insufficient. It's not meant to sound that way at all, it's just me seeing the expediency that all concerned bodies will want to get this matter behind them.
What I'd like to comment on is what I think might happen. I don't think it's going to be the 'root and branch' reform called for by Kimmage and others either. I think an old boys' network will prevail.
I think the UCI are at present between a rock and a hard place. I think McQuaid will go for sure - pushed onto his own sword, or a timely resignation (he's due to move on/upstairs anyway). I think the IOC will behind-the-scenes ensure that in an attempt to limit the fallout damage. The IOC are simply not going to back UCI over WADA (their baby) so the only give is at UCI.
Why do the IOC carry a deciding vote, the clout? Because they will otherwise turf cycling out of the Olympics and that would not go down well at national level, revolt would ensue. So however it plays out, McQuaid's out of UCI. So he'll go the less tumultuous route, he'll not defy the IOC.
The wild card, as I see it, is the pro-teams. They don't give a toss about the Olympics (the riders might, but not the teams) and they look to sponsors. I would not rule out a breakaway though I think it unlikely. I don't know how the UCI would respond to the threat of loosing pro-cycling. And further, maybe just maybe, this is the best way forward for both pro-cycling and Olympic/amateur cycling - separate governing bodies. Though I don't in all honesty see it happening.
As I said, what I think will happen is that McQuaid will go... and that's all. I think it will be spun as a managed response and voluntary, in no way reflecting the bitterness that went on to secure it. Pro teams will give a tentative acceptance but largely be thankful they haven't had to do anything too radical themselves... and business continues (they're strapped for cash generally speaking and can't afford 'down time' to do anything else).
Sorry if all that sounds cynical and insufficient. It's not meant to sound that way at all, it's just me seeing the expediency that all concerned bodies will want to get this matter behind them.
OP
OP
Flying_Monkey
Recyclist
- Location
- Odawa
There used to be different international bodies for pro- and amateur cycling for many years. That wouldn't be unprecedented.
Smokin Joe
Squire
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
The trouble now is there is no amateur cycling, the sport is open. Any breakaway organisation would have to be along the lines of the Premier League in football, with an elite core of teams forming the top tier.
OP
OP
Flying_Monkey
Recyclist
- Location
- Odawa
I think that's what would happen and I don't think I'd support it.
OP
OP
Flying_Monkey
Recyclist
- Location
- Odawa
It was down to the IOC back when they were still trying to keep the Olympics amateur. From 1965-1992, the Fédération Internationale de Cyclisme Professionnel (FICP) ran pro-cycling and the Fédération Internationale Amateur de Cyclisme (FIAC) did the amateur side including the Olympics. Technically, the UCI was still the overall governing body. In practice, the two organisations reflected the Cold War, because Communist country sports were all 'amateur' - so FIAC was very much under the control of the Soviet bloc. I guess the coming back together was both because of the end of the Cold War and the recognition that pro-sport couldn't be kept out of the Olympics...
thom
____
- Location
- The Borough
Oof, more on the UCI and the tour of Hangzhou : http://inrng.com/2012/08/tour-of-hangzhou/
OP
OP
Flying_Monkey
Recyclist
- Location
- Odawa
The image of the UCI bosses lending themselves money which wasn't theirs and consulting themselves about races they are organizing under a different name speaks volumes about the current corruption at the top of cycling.
thom
____
- Location
- The Borough
Sounds like a corporate governance issue too (see earlier point about Switzerland's laws or lack thereof)
Good article and another fairly damning indictment of PM and Hein. I thought he had retired to dead head his roses or something.
Chuffy
Veteran
- Location
- On the banks of the Exe
Sylvia Schenk has put the boot in too. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/schenk-doubts-mcquaid-has-the-credibility-to-clean-up-cycling
Hasn't she just! She seems to have been careful with her wording too. I get the feeling she could be more forthright if she wanted! This for me is the real damning bit (referring to McQuaid's election)....
