In the News–August 20, 2013–By Jen Benepe
International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid received a blow Wednesday to his bid to win a third term in the role as the Swiss Cycling Federation withdrew their backing for his candidacy, reported the Agence France Presse.
UCI, or Unione Cyclistes International, the organizing body for world professional cycling lost confidence among athletes, sponsors, and organizers this year during the Lance Armstrong confessions. Even Armstrong blamed McQuaid for the continuing atmosphere of blood doping, and failure to clean up the sport.
“(UCI president) Pat McQuaid can say and think what he wants. Things just cannot change as long as McQuaid stays in power,” Armstrong told Le Monde just before the start of the 2013 Tour de France this year.
“The UCI refuses to establish a ‘Truth and Reconciliation commission’ because the testimony that everyone would want to hear would bring McQuaid, (his predecessor) Hein Verbruggen and the whole institution down.”
Irishman McQuaid had already seen his homeland remove their support for him but then thought he been granted a reprieve when the Swiss stepped in. But now he has lost their backing as well, he is left needing to change the rules in order to stand for election, reported Peloton Magazine.
“The Board of Directors of Swiss Cycling have reversed their decision from May 13, 2013 concerning the nomination of Pat McQuaid and decided yesterday (Tuesday) to withdraw the nomination of Pat McQuaid for reelection to the UCI presidency,” said the Swiss Federation in a statement. “By consequence the arbitration requested by three members of Swiss Cycling has been cancelled as it is no longer of any use.”
