International Cycling Union (UCI) President Pat McQuaid was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Vancouver today. The decision was taken during the 122nd session of the IOC that took place alongside the XXI Winter Olympics.
McQuaid, 60, is a former professional cyclist and was appointed to his post at the UCI in 2005 to replace Dutchman Hein Verbruggen. The Irishman was re-elected to his position last year.
Verbruggen served on the IOC from 1996 to 2008, and is currently an honorary member of the institution. McQuaid’s presence there shows the sport of cycling is recoginzed as an integral part of the modern Olympic Games.
“In choosing me to be part of the most important sporting assembly in the world, the members of the IOC have acknowledged the value of cycling’s commitment to the Olympic movement. With four disciplines on the Olympic programme, our sport certainly features among those that contribute the most to the success of this sporting event, and we are proud of the role that road and track on the one hand, and mountain bike and BMX on the other, play in the balance between tradition and modernity which characterises the Olympic Games.”
As UCI President, the Irishman has presided over some difficult times in the sport, including the Operación Puerto scandal in 2006, of which the affects still linger on today, as well as the battle with the Amaury Sports Organization (ASO), who opposed the implementation of the UCI ProTour. In both situations, McQuaid has led the UCI down the road to resolution. He worked with the ASO until an acceptable compromise was made to move forward with the ProTour, and championed the biological passport system, which has seen the sport begin to gain back its credibility.
“I am very happy to have Pat McQuaid on board the IOC”, said IOC President Jacques Rogge. “As a former cyclist Pat knows the sport inside out and has done a tremendous job since his election at the head of the UCI. He has been instrumental in strengthening the reputation of his Federation and rejuvenating the cycling programme at the Olympic Games. He brings a great expertise and we look forward to working with him in the future”, Rogge added.