June 13/14 15:20 pm - UCI Management Committee Announces Strategy & Worlds Locations 2015-17

Posted by Editoress on 06/13/14
 

Following a two day meeting held at the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the UCI Management Committee confirmed on Friday a number of important decisions, including the adoption of a detailed vision and strategy to lead the development of cycling as a competitive sport and activity worldwide over the coming years.

The UCI's strategy will see a renewed focus in growing cycling in all its forms across the world and rests in four core principles: development, internationalization, ethics and excellence.

The strategy will focus on the development of the sport in emerging territories, while giving support in countries where cycling has historically been strong. Within the Olympic Games, the strategy looks to build on cycling's core position, and enhance its presence and contribution.

The new strategy embraces the breadth of the commitments of the UCI President, reflecting cycling's unique position as competitive sport, healthy living activity and means of transport across the world. A range of new initiatives in advocacy and international development were discussed and approved, together with continued support to drive the growth and sustainability of women's cycling.

Part of this strategy is focused on innovation with the goal of positioning cycling as the leader among sports in its use of technology.

The UCI Management Committee noted the preparations well underway for September's UCI Road World Championships in Ponferrada, Spain, and awarded:

• 2015 UCI World Cycling Tour Final to Aalborg (Denmark);
• 2015 UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships to Melaka (Malaysia);
• 2015 UCI Mountain Bike Masters World Championships to Vallnord (Andorra);
• 2015 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships to Apeldoorn (the Netherlands);
• 2016 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships to Pietermaritzburg (South Africa);
• 2016 UCI Mountain Bike Downhill and Trials World Championships to Val di Sole (Italy);
• 2016 UCI Mountain Bike Cross-country World Championships to Nove Mesto na Morave (Czech Republic);
• 2017 UCI BMX World Championships to Rock Hill (USA).

Following the Management Committee meeting, UCI President Brian Cookson said:

"I would like to thank the Management Committee for its significant input into a number of very important UCI decisions that will help shape the future of our sport such as the UCI's global strategy which can now be embedded throughout the work of the UCI. We have much work ahead of us, but I am pleased with the progress we are now making to lead the growth of cycling at all levels."

"I am also delighted to be looking forward to fantastic UCI Events over the years to come. In particular our Management Committee will next meet in September in Ponferrada in conjunction with the UCI Road World Championships which promises to be a wonderful event in the cycling calendar."

The Professional Cycling Council (PCC) also met as usual before the start of the UCI Management Committee and discussions around the reform of men's professional road cycling - to be implemented in 2017 - continue to progress positively. Further updates will be made in due course.