Pat McQuaid: Candidacy meets UCI election rules

AIGLE, Switzerland (AP) — International Cycling Union President Pat McQuaid says he has valid nominations from Thailand and Morocco to stand for re-election.

McQuaid says international legal firm Baker & McKenzie confirms his nominations are correct “and came in before the closing date” of June 29.

Lawyers acting for election rival Brian Cookson, the British Cycling president, have questioned whether McQuaid’s candidacy meets UCI rules ahead of the Sept. 27 poll.

Cookson’s campaign also raised concern that UCI staff breached protocol by helping Malaysian officials draft an election rules amendment that could apply retroactively.

The proposal came after McQuaid struggled to secure support from his home Irish federation or Switzerland, where he lives.

McQuaid says legal advice “clears the UCI administration of any wrongdoing or any favoritism.”