By Duncan Mackay

Pat McQuaid in front of UCI logo 2March 26 - Pat McQuaid faces a battle to be nominated by his own federation for a third term as President of the International Cycling Union (UCI), it has been reported.


Cycling Ireland is due to meet on April 12 in Dublin to decide whether they should back McQuaid or not, VeloNation reported today. 

According to VeloNation, Cycling Ireland's seven-person Board is divided on whether to support McQuaid, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, following the Lance Armstrong scandal, which has seen calls for him to step down.

If a consensus cannot be reached following the meeting it is possible that an emergency meeting could be called where Cycling Ireland will allow its member clubs to decide. 

Cycling Ireland have also been approached by Jaimie Fuller, the founder of Change Cycling Now, seeking to give his views on the position of McQuaid, who became President of the UCI in 2006 when he succeeded Dutchman Hein Verbruggen.

"It's absolutely crucial that they hear both sides of the discussion, otherwise the whole process will be a sham," he told VeloNation.

"In order for cycling to restore it's own integrity, this process has to be beyond reproach.

"With so many questions being asked about the UCI, Pat McQuaid and Hein Verbruggen in the wake of the Lance Armstrong affair, the sanctioning of a one-sided argument is simply not acceptable."

But, even if Ireland decide not to back McQuaid - which would be a huge snub - he could still seek the support of the Swiss Cycling Federation as he is a resident in that country.

The election is due to take place during the UCI Road World Championships in Florence between September 21 and 29.

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