UCI president Brian Cookson will face David Lappartient challenge in September election
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 20/06/17 1:41pm
Brian Cookson has a rival for the office of UCI president as Frenchman David Lappartient announced his candidature to be head of cycling's world governing body.
Cookson was elected in September 2013, succeeding Irishman Pat McQuaid, and will bid to be re-elected for a second term this September.
Lappartient, the president of the European governing body and a former president of the French federation, on Tuesday confirmed he will stand against Cookson.
He said: "I have great passion for cycling and I want to serve our sport at the highest level.
"I have always voiced my concerns on the various challenges I have witnessed at UCI, and as a vice-President of the organisation, I have been made aware of a number of issues that must be urgently addressed if cycling is to remain a credible sport.
"It is crucial that we have at UCI a president with a real leadership, who is truly engaged and with a clear vision for cycling.
"I have these qualities and the credentials it takes to lead UCI."
