Johan Bruyneel has commented on the statements of David Lappartient towards the cyclocross field and he was not soft with words. The former rider and DS has criticized very sharply the head of the UCI.
"The UCI cycling President David Lappartient starts to show personality traits similar to the former Turkmenistan dictator Gurbanguly Burdimuhamedov (whom he awarded the “UCI Order” in 2020, the highest possible honour in cycling!)," Bruyneel said in a post shared on Twitter. This follow's Lappartient criticism of riders skipping cyclocross World Cup rounds and threatening to forbid riders in the future from participating in the World Championships if they do not race the full 14-races calendar.
Over social media these declarations sparked an immense wave of criticism. The threat and specific pointing towards Thibau Nys was something many did not understand. "Or is it perhaps possible he is too confused and gives comments in interviews on subjects at moments that, due to his extremely busy agenda (holding an official leading position at 10 different organizations!), he isn’t able to see the forest for the trees anymore?" Bruyneel argued. "Working 85 hours a week takes its toll on the mind after all…"
It remains to be seen yet what the full reaction from the cyclocross world is, but naturally so far no positive comments have emerged. Lappartient will most certainly be asked about the backlash and his response will be important to understand the seriousness of his previous statements.
