The Irishman had to seek a nomination from Switzerland, where he is based, after Cycling Ireland revoked their original backing and it was then defeated at an Emergency General Meeting in Dublin where the country's clubs had the opportunity to vote.

The deadline for candidates to declare themslves as candidates officially closed on June 29.

McQuaid has faced criticism over his handling of cycling's doping problems, particularly the Lance Armstrong scandal. 

"Cycling has changed since I became UCI President in 2005," said McQuaid.

"Cycling is now a global sport.

"It is now possible to race and win clean.

"During the past eight years I have introduced the most sophisticated and effective anti-doping infrastructure in world sport to cycling and opened up everything that is beautiful about our sport to new countries around the world.

"Cycling is a changed sport and it has a bright future.

"My mission now is ensure that we never turn back and that we preserve the culture of change within the peloton, that we revolutionise the way that we present our sport and that we continue to develop cycling worldwide in collaboration with all of our stakeholders."

Lance Armstrong's admission on Oprah Winfrey the used drugs throughout his career have led to accusations that Pat McQuaid has not done enough to deal with the problem of doping 

Cookson, who launched his manifesto in Paris last Monday (June 24), wants to set-up an independent anti-doping unit that operates outside the framework of the UCI, a plan heavily criticised by McQuaid.

Other plans include giving more support to women's cycling.

"The UCI and cycling face some huge challenges as we look to the future but our great sport also has some incredible opportunities - if we can grasp them," said Cookson.

"I believe that I have a strong and proven track record in delivering positive change in cycling and in a way that is collegiate - not confrontational - as my time as President of British Cycling shows.

"I want to see the UCI defined by genuine collaboration, renewed trust and with a vision to fully tackle the issues we face.

"If we deliver then cycling can reach new heights in the years ahead."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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