British Cycling chief Brian Cookson has been elected as the new president of the International Cycling Union (UCI) in a vote held today (27 September) in Florence, Italy.

Cookson will replace current president, Irishman Pat McQuaid, as the most powerful man in world cycling after a hard-fought election campaign.

McQuaid, who was looking to secure a third term in office, has been mired in controversy over his handling of the numerous doping scandals in the sport - especially that involving Lance Armstrong. McQuaid’s handling of doping in the sport was cited by many as the issue which ultimately lost him the vote of the European cycling associations, who decided to back Cookson in the vote.

A former competition cyclist himself, Cookson has served as president of British Cycling from 1997 and has been credited with turning the sport around since taking on the role.

Speaking after his victory, Cookson said: “We must embrace a new style of governance and a collegiate way of working so that a new era of growth and commercial success for the UCI and our sport can begin.”