Indoor cycling in Macau, cycling for all in Iran, para-cycling in Japan, cycling tourism in Jordan� the list of topics was diverse at Asia뭩 second UCI Sharing Platform (USP) which was held in Tokyo, Japan, on January 26th.
Twenty months after the Asian continent뭩 first USP in Astana (Kazakhstan), the UCI this week organised a second gathering of the continent뭩 National Federations. This year, the Japan Cycling Federation hosted the one-day seminar, which attracted more than 40 representatives from 27 Asian National Federations.
Since 2013, USP seminars have been held on the five continents, enabling National Federations to meet, share their experiences and knowledge, and create solid networks that they can call on when necessary. The latest Asian USP came four days after the Oceania USP held in Adelaide, Australia, which drew 16 delegates from five nations. Both seminars were attended by UCI President Brian Cookson, who was impressed by the motivation and commitment of the participants:
밅ycling in Asia is going from strength to strength, and from listening to the National Federations it is clear why. The stories we have heard from the continent뭩 different nations are inspiring. A great deal of work is being carried out in both the smaller and larger nations, and across all disciplines. Different countries face different challenges as they govern our sport, and the UCI Sharing Platform provides them with an ideal opportunity to share their experiences and create a solid network that will help them enormously as they continue to grow cycling in their territories.
밒 was also fortunate to attend the USP a few days earlier in Adelaide, which was an equally positive experience for our National Federations in Oceania. I look forward to following the tremendous progress being made and initiatives being undertaken across these two continents.�
In Tokyo, nine National Federations gave presentations outlining success stories in their respective countries concerning cycling뭩 different disciplines. The presentations prompted lively discussions which continued in more informal surroundings during the breaks.
Participants also listened to a presentation from UCI Head of International Relations James Carr, and took part in a workshop led by the UCI World Cycling Centre Director Frédéric Magné and High Performance Manager Belinda Tarling.
밒 have found it all very useful,� said Navid Kasirian, International Relations Manager of the Cycling Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 밒 have got some new ideas, especially concerning indoor cycling, and I will be putting forward some propositions to our Federation President Khosro Ghamari.�
The Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of India, Onkar Singh, talked to the USP about the new UCI World Cycling Centre satellite centre in New Delhi. He said he had appreciated having the opportunity to share his story with other National Federations: 밯e have shared a lot of ideas with different countries, some that have limited resources. We have also received information about UCI programmes and how they can benefit us. It has been an incredible session.�
The Kyrgyzstan Cycling Federation Secretary General Ervin Akramov added: 밒t is vital to see the different approaches of Federations and positive practices that we can try to implement in our own countries. I would like to see the USP held on an annual basis so we can see and report on the progress that has been made.�
The next UCI Sharing Platform will be held in the COPACI region in May 2016.
