Lemond Vying For New Cycling Federation Presidency

It seems that Greg Lemond is trying to do more than just improve his public image….he is campaigning to be in the leadership team of the soon to be announced new international cycling federation.  Cyclingnews.com is reporting that Lemond said, “Cycling no longer needs the UCI.  The UCI is there to stamp licenses and make the regulations.  The solution for cycling is very simple: organizers and riders should create their own federation and take over the sport.”

While I agree with Lemond that the UCI should be replaced, I do not agree with installing Lemond as the leader of the new federation.  Lemond has a history that is very much like the leadership of the UCI and WADA.  He has historically made comments about riders involvement in doping without any proof, just like current leadership.  Lemond’s inability to keep his mouth shut was a partial factor in Trek dropping its affiliation with the former Tour champion earlier this year. 

There is no doubt that Lemond wants to be the leader of this new federation.  He is quoted as saying, “I’d love to be a part of it, and that is why I am here….This year, I came [to the Tour de France] to speak out for a new cycling.  It is all very well to try and export cycling by launching tours in Russia and China but cycling is the Tour de France and you don’t export the Tour.”  He is obviously shooting bullets towards the UCI which has spent its time this year organizing the new Grand Tours which will make up the UCI’s backed schedule.

Much of what Lemond is saying seems to be identical to the talking points of ASO.  So, is Lemond already the main man for the new ASO backed federation?  I would expect an announcement just after the Olympics.  Let’s hope for the sake of cycling that someone more stable gets the job.

9 July 2008 | UCI News | Comments