Pat McQuaid lobbying against me, says UCI president Brian Cookson

Lappartient responded to Cookson’s claims by saying the UCI chief’s “regrettable action” was part of his campaign strategy and was “false information”.

In a statement, he said: “Campaigning doesn’t mean be ready to do anything and everything.

“From information I gathered, it has been reported that Mr McQuaid has sent an email to a couple of delegates, whom he knows, by telling them his personal opinion about Brian Cookson and therefore calling on them to support my candidature.

“This was a personal act of McQuaid and not on my demand. By saying “Only they know if…” seems to me, once again, Brian Cookson is certain of nothing. Making false comments like these is unsportsmanlike behaviour.

“To set the records straight, during the Elite European Road Championships in France last year Brian Cookson is referring to, McQuaid called and asked if he could stop by since he was nearby. I immediately informed Brian Cookson, then McQuaid was of course given access to see the race as he asked to.

“It is pitiful that Brian Cookson is not concentrating his time and energy on explaining any vision he may have for cycling development in the next four years. That is what delegates are expecting, and not to delve into and hide behind old stories from four years ago.

“This act is undoubtedly a clear sign of despair from Brian Cookson and his languished campaign.”