Cycling: Brian Cookson rules out UCI post

Brian Cookson: 'I am not a candidate' (Getty Images)

British Cycling's president, Brian Cookson, has insisted he is fully supportive of the under-pressure UCI president, Pat McQuaid. Cookson has been mentioned as a possible successor to unify the sport if McQuaid is forced to resign over the world governing body's handling of the Lance Armstrong doping scandal.

The UCI has appointed an independent commission to look at its handling of the case. Cookson, who would attract support both within the International Olympic Committee and within cycling, said today: "I would like to make it clear that there is not a vacancy and I am not a candidate.

"I am fully supportive of UCI president Pat McQuaid, who, since his election in 2005, has done an impressive job in frequently difficult circumstances. Any speculation at this difficult time is particularly unhelpful, and I think it is absolutely vital for the future of our sport that we all remain united."