Agreement reached with Assembly of Castilla y Leon credited as vital in ensuring race’s future
Any question marks about the future of the 2014 world championships in Ponferrada, Spain, have been dispelled by an announcement today by the UCI guaranteeing that the race will take place.
The tough economic climate in Spain had raised some questions about whether the championships would progress as planned but any concerns have been put to rest by a joint statement issued today by the UCI and the CSD (El Consejo Superior de Deportes, the Spanish Department of Sports).
It states that UCI president Brian Cookson visited the CSD headquarters in December and that work between him, CSD president Miguel Cardenal plus CSD Director General Ana Munoz and Spanish Cycling Federation president Jose Luis Lopez Cerron had led to an agreement.
“As confirmed by the CSD, the strong leadership shown in this process and close understanding with the UCI has ensured the full launch of the UCI Road World Championships, Ponferrada 2014,” said the joint statement.
“This, together with the continued institutional support which has been welcomed by CSD, guarantees the organisation of the event, scheduled for 21-28th September, 2014.”
The statement also credits the Assembly of Castilla y Leon as playing a vital role in securing the event, with an important agreement reached by that Assembly two days ago.
Cardenal suggests that the championship’s viability hinged on work done by the Assembly’s president Juan Vicente Herrera, which in turn led to the Assembly agreement.
“Without his help, this great moment for Spanish cycling would not have been possible,” he said, his words showing how shaky things had been for the championships.
Cookson expressed satisfaction with the agreement which had been reached, and said that he believed the 2014 worlds would go on to be a success.
“I was delighted to visit the CSD in December to present UCI WorldTour awards to Spanish teams and riders, reflecting the importance of this sport in a country rich in the history of cycling,” he stated.
“We are very much looking forward to adding to this great history in Ponferrada later this year. The World Championships is a monument of cycling, and I am sure we will be privileged to see some fantastic racing over an excellent and challenging course.”
On Tuesday the Organising Committee of the UCI Road World Championships will travel to Madrid and be met by the CSD president Cardenal and director general Munoz.