Successor to Ian Drake could be a cycling outsider, British Cycling confirm

Ian Drake
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

British Cycling will look outside the sport to find “the very best candidate” to replace Ian Drake as chief executive.

Drake’s departure was confirmed by British Cycling today, ending a 20‑year tenure with the body, the last eight of which were in the top role.

British Cycling could yet select a replacement from within but a recruitment company has been appointed to look at external options.

A source at British Cycling’s Manchester headquarters said: “For all the things that have happened and been tricky in the past year, whoever comes in does so to arguably the most successful sporting governing body in Britain. We’ll look for the very best candidate out there and that might even come from outside the sport.”

Drake does not have a new job lined up but it is thought he has already been approached by two sporting national governing bodies.

British Cycling have enjoyed a remarkable run of success both on the road and track under Drake’s tenure, but the final months of his reign have been overshadowed by controversy: first over technical director Shane Sutton’s departure amid allegations of bullying and, most recently, the alleged involvement of team doctor Richard Freeman in revelations over a mystery medical package.

Confirming his departure, Drake said: “I have been involved with British Cycling in some form for almost 20 years and it is an organisation that I will always love. I have been privileged to be a part of the amazing success we have experienced and I know that it will go on to even greater heights in the years to come. All organisations periodically require new leadership and now is the right moment for both myself and British Cycling to move on.”

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