Brian Cookson to run for UCI presidency

British Cycling president Brian Cookson OBE will run for presidency of the global governing body for profressional cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the Daily Telegraph reports.

It is believed that Cookson will officially announce his intention to run for UCI presidency tomorrow (Tuesday), with British Cycling nominating him for the position.

Cookson was mooted as a possible successor to McQuaid back in January, when a senior figure in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said of Cookson's name being put forward for UCI president: "His name is already well-known within the IOC and he would be trusted by the Olympic Movement, given that some people are questioning cycling's future in the Olympics."

Cookson's response at the time as to whether he would run for UCI presidency was: "It's a very demanding job and its not on my agenda to go after it."

Cookson is currently a member of the UCI's management committee, which he joined in 2009. He has been president of BC since 1996 and has overseen major changes since taking on the role. He has also witnessed the meteoric rise of British cyclists on the international stage during his tenure, including unprecedented Olympic success and Bradley Wiggins' Tour de France victory last year.

The move comes after current UCI president Pat McQuaid has come under increased fire over his term in office, which has been plagued by rider doping scandals and allegations of corruption and incompetence within the organisation.

McQuaid had already signalled his intention to run for a third term, but hit a set-back when Cycling Ireland's nomination for McQuaid was declared void.

In addition to taking a strong stance on anti-doping and transparency within cycling, Cookson is also an outspoken advocate of equality between men's and women's international cycling.

Related links

Cookson: 'I am 100% supportive of McQuaid'

Pat McQuaid's UCI president nomination decclared void

Cycling Ireland board member resigns over Pat McQuaid UCI presidential nomination

Pat McQuaid backed by Cycling Ireland for re-election as UCI president

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