UCI presidential candidate Brian Cookson backs return for women’s tour

UCI presidential candidate Brian Cookson has promised to set up a meeting between some of cycling’s top female riders and Tour de France organisers to discuss the return of a women’s version of the race.

Former world time-trial champion Emma Pooley has started a petition with other high-profile female cyclists, which has collected nearly 80,000 signatures, urging women to be allowed to compete in the Tour.

Cookson, who will take on current UCI chief Pat McQuaid in an election in September, also confirmed a women’s version of the Tour of Britain has been given the go-ahead for next year.