The Union Cycliste Internationale: a study in the failure of organisational governance of an International Federation
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ARTICLE
The Union Cycliste Internationale: a study in the failure of organisational governance of an International Federation Lloyd Freeburn
Published online: 4 April 2013 T.M.C. Asser Instituut 2013
Abstract This article examines recent controversies in the sport of cycling with a focus on the governance of the sport by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). In particular, it examines allegations raised against the UCI in the recent US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team/Lance Armstrong doping investigation by the United States AntiDoping Authority (USADA). These issues include inadequate administration of anti-doping in the sport by the UCI and improper management of issues as between the UCI and Lance Armstrong. It also examines the governing body’s management of developments since the release of the USADA’s investigation report in October 2012, including the establishment then premature termination by the UCI of the UCI Independent Commission. The separate governance issues of how the governing body has managed conflicts of interest issues and cronyism within the organisation are outlined to illustrate widespread governance problems within the UCI. The article concludes that the UCI requires structural reforms in order to improve its governance practices and suggests a number of measures to bring about this reform. Keywords Governance Anti-doping Cycling UCI Conflicts of interest Cronyism
1 Introduction ‘‘I have nothing to worry about. I have the support of my management committee and the support of my federation currently.’’1
With this statement, Pat McQuaid, the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), cycling’s international governing body, has given clear voice to the governance issues that lie at the heart of the current controversies afflicting the sport of cycling. These controversies include the United States AntiDoping Authority’s (USADA) extensive Reasoned Decision of 10 October 20122 that outlined in detail ‘the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen’.3 As a consequence of USADA’s investigation into the activities of the US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team, American cyclist Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his seven Tours de France titles and an Olympic bronze medal.4 Serious allegations were also made against the UCI and these led to the establishment of an Independent Commission to examine the governing body’s conduct in the scandal. However, that process was prematurely and unilaterally disbanded by the UCI. This action led the organisation to become embroiled in an unseemly public dispute with the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA). Significantly, no alternative process to examine the allegations against the UCI has been established. Despite all of this, the UCI President has ‘nothing to worry about’ and remains comfortable in his position. This article contends that the UCI has a record of serious failures and shortcomings in its governance practices and structure with the Armstrong scandal being merely the most
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