The 185th Congress of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) today voted in favour of a revised UCI Constitution that sets out new democratic processes, including the restriction of the number of terms of office for the President (to three). The UCI becomes one of the first International Federations to formally adopt this limit.

The amended Constitution also provides for a broader representation of the Continental Confederations (at least two members from each) on the UCI Management Committee. In particular, in order to promote equality of representation around the world, the number of voting delegates has been raised from 7 to 9 for the African Confederation.

In addition to the Constitution changes, Standing Orders of the Congress have been drawn up to govern the conduct of the Congress and ensure that elections are carried out in a democratic, transparent manner.

For elective Congresses, an external notary/lawyer, located in the country where the Congress takes place, shall oversee the election process. If this external notary/lawyer observes an irregularity regarding the election, it shall report to the three-member panel of the Ethics Commission present at the UCI Congress who shall determine whether the election shall be cancelled and re-held.

In addition, voting delegates shall now be democratically elected at Confederation level and be identified in advance in order to ensure greater transparency.

The constitutional reform process, a manifesto commitment of President Brian Cookson, which lasted nearly two years, was led by a Constitutional Review Committee, that consisted of UCI President and the Presidents of the five Continental Confederations, before being submitted to the UCI Management Committee.

UCI President Brian Cookson said: “Today marks another important step forward for the governance of the UCI. It is in line with international best practice and will help to reinforce the UCI's credibility within the international sports community, as well as with all our stakeholders.”

The UCI Congress was also presented with an update on the UCI’s revised and strengthened Code of Ethics, which now applies to a much broader base including all UCI and CADF personnel, consultants, and race organisers.

In addition, the composition of the Ethics Commission has been reinforced and is now made up of five members, of which three, including the Commission President, are independent from the world of cycling. The secretariat of the Commission remains independent from the UCI administration.

The composition of the UCI Ethics Commission is now as follows:
• Mr Bernard Foucher (FRA), President
• Mr Richard Leggat (NZL), member
• Mr Marcel Wintels (NED), member
• Mrs Urvasi Naidoo (GBR/RSA), member
• Mr Marc Cavaliero (ITA/SUI), member

The President of the UCI Ethics Commission, Bernard Foucher, declared: “In order to continue the particularly constructive work of the former President Richard Leggat, who I thank, I would like the Ethics Commission, which can now rely on an entirely renewed Code, a composition of predominately independent members and real power, to help to its best ability the UCI’s different bodies ensure that the transparency and fundamental values of sport are respected.”

Finally, the UCI Congress voted in favour of granting the Commonwealth of Dominica, Niger and Tajikistan official membership of the UCI, taking its total membership to 187 National Federations.

Brian Cookson declared: “I’m delighted to formally welcome the Commonwealth of Dominica, Niger and Tajikistan to the UCI Family. Our membership has grown from 178 to 187 National Federations in the past three years which demonstrates the true global nature of our sport. Taking cycling to new regions, reaching new audiences and attracting life-long fans remain among our priorities as we continue to develop cycling in all its forms worldwide.”