Time to roll up the sleeves!
Friday File opens with great news...
Probably the best news to happen for pro cycling is the newly elected UCI President Brian Cookson!
Key is that Cookson aims to make improvements to a faltering UCI stained by the welcomed exit of Pat McQuaid.
The campaign to get to this point has been intense but I am under no illusion that the real work starts now. So I call on the global cycling community to unite and come together to help ensure that our great sport realises its enormous potential. This is the vision that will drive and focus my activities over the next four years.
I have said throughout my campaign that we must embrace a new style of governance and a collegiate way of working so that a new era of growth and commercial success for the UCI and our sport can begin.
My first priorities as president will be to make anti-doping procedures in cycling fully independent, sit together with key stakeholders in the sport and work with Wada to ensure a swift investigation into cycling’s doping culture.
It is by doing these things that we will build a firm platform to restore the reputation of our International Federation with sponsors, broadcasters, funding partners, host cities and the International Olympic Committee. Ultimately this is how we grow our sport worldwide and get more riders and fans drawn into cycling.
- Brian Cookson
Chapeau der Panzerwagen!
Silver medalist, Linda Villumsen: once again a bridesmaid.
One of the world's skilled time trialist is Linda Villumsen who, once again, finished on the podium, this time behind winner Eelen Van Dijk. Is it just bad luck?
She has collected an amazing record for podium finishes: fifth consecutive time on the world championship podium - two silver and three bronze medals. Could next year - finally be gold for the Danish/New Zealander?
Squadra Italia...
1984 worlds in Barcelona
1984 worlds in Barcelona
photo Sirotti
Sunday's road race will be the spectacle that I plan to watch live early morning. The course may be too hilly for many but few will like. My favorite is Peter Sagan, strong after winning GP Montréal - the only thorn is his weak team for support. Then, again he can launch a solo attack and win. Philippe Gilbert is also a shoe-in for favorite status. He's showing strong form getting into the late season groove winning a stage in the Vuelta and placing high in recent races. Can he pull a 'Bugno'?
The tifosi side of me cheers for an Italian to win. It's going to take some heavy duty luck but at least a top five can be achieved. If it comes down to a sprint, I'm ruling out Vincenzo Nibali, my Italian choice goes to Fillippo Pozzato.
Here's a world's look back at some great images from 1984, 1989 & 1991 world championships...
Steve Bauer (2nd from left) on his way
to silver, 1984 world championships.
all photos Sirotti
LeMond, 1989.
Forza Bugno! 1991.
'Time' for LeMond bikes...
And, one more...
A new saddle stool?
Have a good Friday!
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