Doyle resigns as president of federation

Cycling

Cycling

Tony Doyle, the president of the British Federation, resigned yesterday little more than two weeks after surviving an attempt by the federation's directors to oust him.

At an emergency meeting in Manchester, delegates voted 56-17 against the board's proposals to cancel Doyle's appointment, after allegations of dishonesty and conflict of interests.

Doyle, the former world pursuit champion who acts as a consultant for Sport for Television Group - the company sacked by the BCF as promoters of the world track championships in Manchester later this year - yesterday claimed that he had been forced to resign because of "mounting legal bills".

Doyle still faces legal proceedings brought against him by the board. In a prepared statement, he said: "The legal nightmare created when the board chose to sue me back in January has almost bankrupted me.

"My lawyers are now pressing for payment. I've been advised that I am entitled to a full indemnity for my costs under the terms of the federation's constitution. My track record in the sport that I love shows that I am not a quitter."