Former pro succeeds Turtur on UCI management committee, result seen as boost for plans for reform
As expected after Guam’s switch to backing her this week, Tracey Gaudry was today elected president of the Oceania Cycling Confederation and, in doing so, also gained a place on the UCI management committee.
The 43 year old multiple national champion and double Olympian received unanimous support from the four Oceania member nations; Australia, New Zealand, Guam and Fiji.
“It’s a privilege and honour to be elected President of the Oceania Cycling Confederation, to represent the cycling communities of Oceania alongside a new Executive and carry responsibility for reform and progression to the UCI Management Committee,” she said afterwards in acknowledging her appointment.
“For me, cycling is a way of life and a great sport. I and the Oceania members believe now is the time to build upon what is already great about cycling and not allow history to dictate the future.”
Gaudry defeated the previous president Mike Turtur, the race director of the Santos Tour Down Under. He has fallen out of favour in recent months, due in part to his connections to Lance Armstrong. He paid the Texan several millions to compete in the WorldTour race between 2009 and 2011, with the last participation coming despite Armstrong being under federal investigation.
He had been accused of a conflict of interest between his roles and, with Cycling Australia pushing for reform post-USADA report, Gaudry was seen as a fresh start.
Guam and Fiji had initially said they would support Turtur, thus dead-locking the vote, but Guam then indicated earlier this week that it had switched its preference to Gaudry. Fiji followed suit, thus ensuring her four year term at the helm.
“I am motivated to ensure that cycling can capture the opportunity we have for greater grass-roots participation and competition in the Oceania region, and furthering efforts towards effective anti-doping reform and equity globally,” she said.
In taking a place at the UCI management committee, she will be the first female to do so since the German Sylvia Schenk.
According to Cycling Australia President Klaus Mueller, Gaudry’s election will present a clear opportunity to reshape the sport.
“Tracey is an outstanding person, with an impeccable cycling and professional record. She’s the perfect person to fight the challenges cycling is currently facing head on,” he said. “Tracey’s a leader and she’ll make a significant contribution at Oceania and UCI levels to the betterment of cycling.”
He described Turtur as ‘a dedicated servant of cycling,’ and said he had helped boost the public profile of the sport during his four year term.
“The good news for Australian cycling is that Mike will continue to be involved in the sport as Race Director of the Australia’s only UCI World Tour Event, the Tour Down Under,” he said. He will also continue on in his current position on the UCI track cycling commission.