Dave Brailsford urges Scottish ‘No’ vote
Former British cycling performance director says the UK can achieve more success collectively at world level than if it were split
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
LONDON — Dave Brailsford, the man behind British cycling success at recent Olympic Games, has urged Scotland to vote against independence in Thursday’s referendum poll.
Brailsford guided the British team to eight gold medals at both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics, which included victories for Scottish cycling star Chris Hoy.
The former British cycling performance director said pooling of resources and talent meant the United Kingdom could achieve more success collectively at world level than if it were split into its constituent countries.
“Scotland has been a huge part of the success of British Cycling, and I hope the UK stays together for the benefit of all sport, but especially Olympic sports like ours,” Brailsford, now the head of the Sky cycling team, said Monday.
“UK sport is one of the best things this country has, and it is all possible because we can share talent, resources, and ideas.
“I was born in England but raised in Wales with Welsh as my first language, and I feel passionately Welsh, English, and British, and I feel all the countries of the UK are a big part of my national identity,” Brailsford said. “My message to friends in Scotland is simple: ‘It is for you to decide your own future, but for the sake of UK sport I hope you vote No.'”
Last year, Hoy — Scotland’s most successful Olympian with six gold medals to his credit — was branded a “traitor” by some nationalists after warning that that Scottish athletes would find it harder to win medals after separation than as part of Team GB because of a lack of suitable training facilities and coaching.