Discussions with Bouchard-Hall was claimed to focus on development, with Cookson joining the USA Cycling Foundation’s annual trip to the Grand Tour race.

Donors, who help fund USA Cycling’s athlete development programmes, were present on a ride which took in climbs around Lake Annecy.

“It was a real pleasure to meet with our friends from USA Cycling over the last couple of days where we’ve enjoyed some terrific cycling and discussed so much about the sport of cycling that we love so much,” said Cookson.

“The last few years has seen continued development and progress in our sport in the USA and the UCI wants to help USA Cycling build on this success.

“We’ve made such great progress over the past four years, including working closely with the five Continental Confederations and our member National Federations to provide stronger leadership and more opportunities for hosting of major international events from grassroots to elite level.”

Cookson also expressed his hope the United States would continue to host major cycling events in future.

The US hosted the 2013 Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Louisville, while they held the 2015 Road World Championships in Richmond and the 2017 BMX World Championships will be take place in Rock Hill later this month.

“As one of the biggest and most successful national cycling federations, we feel it is critical to work closely with the UCI on its strategy to develop cycling in all its forms worldwide,” said Bouchard-Hall.

“This will include making the most of the tremendous opportunities that are opening up for our sport, such as BMX freestyle and the madison being added to the next Olympics – in addition to continuing to work with the UCI to host major international competitions on US soil.”

Cookson has prioritised accelerating international development, championing cycling for transport and leisure, ensuring equal opportunities for men and women to participate and compete, building on restored credibility and ensuring the UCI continues to drive excellence in operations.

The Briton is being challenged by European Cycling Union President and UCI vice-president David Lappartient.

Cookson appeared alongside the Frenchman at this week’s European Track Junior and Under-23 Championships in Portugal.

Lappartient revealed his full manifesto on Tuesday (July 18), as the Frenchman seeks to unseat Cookson.

Radical changes to the UCI WorldTour calendar, monitoring the finances of professional teams, tackling the threat posed technological fraud and sports betting and banning corticosteroids are among his campaign pledges.

The election is due to take place at the UCI Congress in Bergen in Norway on September 21.