Each of cycling’s eight official disciplines are represented on the Commission, with the 13 members elected by their peers for the first time.

Each member is now due to serve a term until 2017.

The modernisation of the Commission was announced three months ago as part of UCI President Brian Cookson’s aim to achieve openness and transparency in the sport and, although it will not have any decision making powers, they will be able to draw up proposals for the UCI.

Reigning Olympic road race champion Vos, arguably the biggest star in women’s cycling having won three road race and seven cyclo-cross world titles, has been elected to serve as the sole representative of cyclo-cross on the Commission.

Belgium's Kenny Belaey and Germany's Mauel Kopp are the only other sole representatives from one of cycling disciplines as they will represent trials and indoor cycling respectively.

Olympic and Paralympic disciplines have two members, including one man and one woman, with three-time UCI Track Cycling champion Kévin Sireau of France and Meares named as track cycling’s members.

Australian Meares became the most decorated women’s cycling world champion of all time when she earned his 11th title at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Paris.

Road cycling is represented by Dutch duo Bobbie Traksel and Iris Slappendel, while South Africa’s Greg Minnaar and Georgia Gould of the United States are the members for mountain bike and American Donny Robinson and Colombia’s Mariana Pajon take up the same role for BMX.

Switzerland’s Tobias Fankhauser and America’s Greta Neimanas will be Para-cycling’s two members on the Commission.

“I am very proud of this new step which signifies a significant move forward in the representation of the athletes, and the achievement of a commitment that is important to me,” said Cookson.

“The athletes are the heart of our sport, and it was necessary to give them the place they deserve.

“This reinvigorated Athletes' Commission corresponds with my concept of modern governance that is founded on dialogue and cooperation between the UCI and cycling’s main players.”

The Commission’s main tasks will be to attempt to improve training and racing conditions for their fellow riders and giving the UCI direct feedback on a variety of issues while it also aims to reinforce links between active and recently retired athletes.

Athletes who have been sanctioned for a breach of UCI anti-doping rules are ineligible for a place on the Commission while should they fall foul anti-doping rules during their time as a member, their term will immediately be ended.

The Commission must meet at least once every year, in principle during the UCI Congress or within the first quarter of a calendar year.

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