Zonneveld not interested in management role at UCI: "People with passion for the sport walk away"

Thijs Zonneveld holds a rather unique position. The Dutchman is not only a journalist for the Dutch AD but also a cyclist himself. This dual role allows him to see firsthand what is happening within the peloton and the world of cycling. However, it also brings frustration, as he sees little change in the international cycling federation. As a rider, analyst and journalist, Zonneveld is uncertain if he’d ever want a leadership role in the sport. In an interview with the Dutch cycling outlet Wieler Revue, he elaborated on his thoughts.

"The UCI seems like hell to me," the 44-year-old journalist candidly stated. "Before I could even consider joining, I’d need to stock up on patience." Zonneveld finds it disheartening that everything in sports federations takes so long. He believes he understands why this is: "The larger the sports federation, the more power-hungry individuals sit at the top. These are people who have nothing to do with the sport itself. People in conference rooms who are completely disconnected from that young cyclist wondering if he should even continue in the sport."

Zonneveld feels the same way about the UCI, which makes the thought of a leadership role there unappealing. "They’re so far removed from the sport that it would be hard for me to find my place there. That’s often where things go wrong — people with a passion for the sport end up walking away."

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Zonneveld recently competed in the World Gravel Championships, where he placed 192nd

"Maybe the frustration will grow to a point where I’ll apply," said Zonneveld.

Currently, Zonneveld focuses mostly on his work as an analyst and journalist, alongside his cycling career. For him, journalism is an area where passion is essential to truly make a difference. "I always think of my son and wanting to make the sport better for him. Doping has improved, but there’s still a big step to be taken in terms of safety. Progress is slow — it’s just so gradual," he added, referring to his recent participation in the Gravel World Championships.

Still, Zonneveld wouldn’t entirely rule out the idea of joining management someday. "Maybe the frustration will grow to a point where I’ll apply. Although, I honestly can’t imagine the inner workings of it. You’d have to cozy up to someone like Igor Makarov (a Russian UCI official, ed.) to win over the Uzbek or Kyrgyz votes. No, that doesn’t appeal to me." Instead, he believes in participatory journalism. "That’s why I still race, and why I once organized the Veenendaal-Veenendaal race (a local Dutch race, ed.). I think sometimes you need to step down from the ivory tower to experience what it’s like to get your hands dirty."

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