UCI Presidents will now only be able to serve a maximum of three terms ©Getty Images

International Cycling Union (UCI) Presidents will be limited to serving a maximum of three terms after the governing body’s management committee voted in favour of imposing a limit.

The vote took place at the UCI Congress in Doha, where the Road Cycling World Championships are currently taking place.

"Today marks another important step forward for the governance of the UCI," said Brian Cookson, UCI President.

“It is in line with international best practice and will help to reinforce the UCI's credibility within the international sports community, as well as with all our stakeholders."

The constitution amends also include allowing for a "broader representation" of Continental Confederations, which will see at least two members from each appear on the Management Committee.

With this decision aimed at promoting equality across the world, the number of voting delegates has been raised from seven to nine for the African Confederation.

An external lawyer, located in the country where the Congress takes place, will now oversee election processes when they occur.

They will report to the three member panel of the Ethics Commission in the event an irregularity is observed, who will then have the power to determine whether an election should be cancelled and re-held.

The decisions were made at the UCI Congress in Doha ©Getty Images
The decisions were made at the UCI Congress in Doha ©Getty Images

The reforms come after a two-year review, which was initiated by Cookson as part of his manifesto commitments and was led by a Constitutional Review Committee.

Five members now make up the UCI’s Ethics Commission, including three who are independent from the sport.

Bernard Foucher, one of the three independent members, is the chair of the Commission having taken over from Richard Leggat.

Leggat remains part of the Commission, which also includes Marcel Wintels, Urvasi Naidoo and Marc Cavaliero.

“In order to continue the particularly constructive work of the former President Richard Leggat, who I thank, I would like the Ethics Commission, which can now rely on an entirely renewed Code, a composition of predominately independent members and real power, to help to its best ability the UCI’s different bodies ensure that the transparency and fundamental values of sport are respected,” said Foucher.

Dominica, Niger and Tajikistan were all awarded membership of the UCI at the Congress, taking the number of National Federations registered to 187.