Omnisports. David Lappartient: “If I can gather as president of the CNOSF, I’m ready…” – Omnisports

What is your reaction following the resignation of Brigitte Henriques?

In the current circumstances, we could not continue like this and I would like to salute the resignation of the president. It was the wisest solution, I hope it will bring back the necessary serenity within the CNOSF. One year before the Olympic Games, we can no longer afford this division, this tension, or even more… I, who represent the IOC at the CNOSF, had serious concerns in Lausanne (headquarters of the International Olympic Committee).

Are you a candidate for his succession?

This is not the question that arises. The board of directors will have to elect a new president for the duration of the mandate remaining to be covered, in other words, until 2025. This will necessarily be a current director who is not in a situation of accumulation with a presidency of a French federation. Nor should he have been involved in the fights between the different parties. This greatly restricts the field and, indeed, voices have been raised to get me to think about it. I am not campaigning but if I am a solution, the debate is open. We’ll see, it can be looked at, it can be discussed.

Exactly, if you are asked…

If there is some form of consensus, I am not closing the door. If I can muster, I’m ready. If I can be of service… I love this institution, I am attached to French sport. I don’t want to rush the movement, it will be decided in the coming weeks. If I go there, it will be more out of duty: France cannot afford to have a CNOSF in such a state before the Olympic Games, which have been awaited for 100 years. All the IOC colleagues, including Guy Drut and Jean-Christophe Rolland, are very keen for me to be a candidate.

If you become president of the CNOSF, will you resign from the presidency of the International Cycling Union (UCI)?

No, a president of an international federation can combine both functions. Whatever happens, I will remain president of the UCI at least until 2025.