ANDERSON: UCI needs new leadership

As the dust tries to settle in the cycling world from the turmoil of the past few months, it’s become apparent it could take many years for the whole story to be told.

I have raised concerns before about potential witch-hunts. However, the sport is damaged and repair mode is urgent.

The finger pointing is happening at every level.

Who are the culprits? Is it the individual riders, the team culture, or should the blame be squarely laid at the feet of the UCI?

Should UCI President Pat McQuaid fall on his sword?

Perhaps so, but unfortunately it would also seem that his predecessor, and still ‘Honorary President’, Hein Verbruggen has a case to answer, and in fact, he remains the puppet master.

Cycling as a sport is bigger now than ever and as in any business, if confidence is questioned, the shareholders call the shots and heads roll.

The president should, in the least, stand aside until the commission’s findings are revealed.

There is a suggestion afoot to consider American three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond as the interim president of the UCI.

I know LeMond very well. He is passionate and one of the most naturally talented cyclists I have ever known.

While I was busting my arse, LeMond didn’t have to do much work – his raw talent was enough. Unlike Armstrong, he was not a ruthless team leader; he did not have to be.

Is he the right man for the Job?

Interestingly, I would have thought Armstrong would have more of the characteristics required to initiate the changes required to repair the damage.

LeMond has put his hand up. He has campaigned long and hard against Armstrong.

He has always believed Armstrong cheated and that he was, in fact, the true American hero. Really, he was and remains a hero whether Armstrong was clean or dirty.

LeMond could be the right person to stand in the role until such time as the democratic elections are held for the position in the near future.

LeMond has raced at the highest level.

He has been involved in business since his retirement, and has always been an advocate of clean cycling.

I recall LeMond’s absolute stance against any medications during his career. He believed he would have won more Tours if it was a level playing field.

He, like many cyclists, has had to deal with losses at the hands of the cheats. He, like many, chose not to take advice and gifts of treatments from soigneur’s ‘vitamins’ – the contents of which were not know to him.

The “Change Cycling Now” movement has gathered some momentum.

But who are they?

Surely this movement should come from the rank and file of current cyclists, rather than heads of business and stake holders in cycling.

As much as we criticize the UCI, there are many who work in the organisation who can do the job. Heads at the top should fall, but let’s not chop the UCI off at the knees.

There are many who could be president, but let’s not see personal vendettas as the reason change is pushed through, with due consideration given to all the potential candidates.

LeMond was prepared to sacrifice friends in his quest against Armstrong.

There were many non-believers who also have worked so hard to get to this day without personal vendettas, so I believe this is the direction we should look.

Dr Michael Ashenden has always worn his heart on his sleeve and is eminently qualified, having overseen the introduction of the UCI’s biological passport programme.

Ashenden would be my preferred choice as he knows how the UCI works at a professional level.