Cookson anger at rival over election loophole

British Cycling’s chairman has formally objected to an attempt to change the election procedure for the presidency of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and branded the move a “sign of desperation”.

By The Newsroom

Published 31st Jul 2013, 10:28 BST

Brian Cookson is challenging current president Pat McQuaid who did not receive the required backing from his own federation Cycling Ireland.

Now however, the UCI’s rulebook is set to be changed to allow candidates to be nominated by two other federations even if they are not supported by their own country.

This would come into force retrospectively allowing McQuaid to stand.

Cookson said: “The efforts to change the nomination and electoral process are a clear sign of desperation from the incumbent president, Pat McQuaid.

“This latest twist appears to be nothing more than a fraught attempt to undemocratically and unconstitutionally impact on the process while it is underway.”

Former world champion Thor Hushovd won stage three of the Tour of Poland.

The 2010 world champion finished ahead of second-placed Steel Von Hoff (Garmin-Sharp) and Mark Renshaw (Belkin).