Former UCI (International Union of Cycling) President and British Cycling President Brian Cookson called on current British Cycling President Frank Slevin to resign, suggesting that the British governing body is run by people with no sporting background. He stated.

British Cycling has endured a terrible year, with a series of decisions raising concerns among the sporting community and its members. British Cycling recently announced an eight-year sponsorship deal with oil and gas giant Shell, sparking a backlash about greenwashing.

The partnership drew national media attention, along with condemnation from Greenpeace, but a Cycling News investigation revealed considerable discontent among British Cycling insiders and staff. Many members resigned in protest, dealing a blow to local events and the grassroots of the sport.

British Cycling earlier this year rebelled against certain rules and prevented transgender riders from competing, and in September suggested that cyclists should not ride their bikes on the day of the Queen's funeral, but promptly changed its guidance after a backlash from members.

On Monday, British Cycling confirmed that CEO Brian Facer had left the company by "mutual consent," and Slevin said, "We remain committed to delivering our strategy to 'lead the sport and inspire the community. However, Cookson told Cycling Weekly that he felt Slevin should be held accountable for the decisions made by the governing body

and that he would "be responsible for the organization's future."

"It seems puzzling to me that the president and the board did not understand the implications of something so controversial. I think some heads must roll," Cookson said.

"The chairman needs to take some responsibility for this. I am not confident he will keep this job.

"We now have a structure imposed by UK Sport, and the reality is that we have a chairman who is effectively from outside the sport and was probably appointed with business expertise. I think the problem is that it is governed by people who don't have that sporting, recreational or activity background and I don't know what they are motivated by."

Cookson served as president of the British Cycling Federation from 1996 to 2013, overseeing the restructuring of the federation, which was on the verge of civil strife and financial collapse. Through consistent management and the skillful use of state lottery funds, he brought about the success of British athletes and the massive growth of the sport in Britain.

He was elected UCI president in 2013 and served as president until 2017, when he was defeated by David Lapartient. Now retired and 71 years old, he organizes the Lancaster Grand Prix and competes in the race himself.

Cookson suggested that British Cycling's loss of membership began with the "hollowing out of the organization" by former CEO Julie Harrington between 2017 and 2020. Harrington declined to comment to Cycling Weekly.

"Before, for all our shortcomings and flaws, the people on the board were hard-nosed cyclists. Cookson suggested, "If you cut them in half, it would say 'I'm a cyclist' in the middle like a stick of rock."

"The organization is now going backwards. I have no desire to return as president or chairman of British Cycling. I am happy to be retired and enjoying life."

Cookson also revealed to Cycling Weekly that he understands that dissatisfaction with British Cycling's governance extends to the higher international level.

"As far as I can tell, the UCI also does not devote much time to the current leadership of British Cycling," Cookson said.

"Nobody has a great magic wand. What we need to get back is organization, and British Cycling needs to be run by people who are passionate about cycling in all its wonderful forms," Cookson said.

"No one is saying that British Cycling is perfect or that it doesn't need to change.