The Union Cycliste International (UCI) is the world governing body of cycling as a sport encompassing road racing, track and mountain bike, cyclo-cross, BMX, trials, paracycling and indoor cycling. Founded in Paris in 1900 the organisation is now based in Aigle, Switzerland and is recognised by the IOC (International Olympic Committee).
The current President is Brian Cookson, former President of the British Cycling Federation, who took over from Pat McQuaid following a bitter election battle in 2013. At the time the UCI was still reeling from the aftershock of the Lance Armstrong confession and multiple allegations of corruption.
The UCI sets the regulations for the competitive aspects of the sport of cycling and oversees the enforcement of them from racing to anti-doping (the UCI is signed up the the WADA code) and equipment. All the rules can be downloaded from the UCI's website.
The Tour de France is the flagship event in the UCI's WorldTour calendar that includes all three Grand Tours as well as the one-day classics, Milan - San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Tour of Lombardy. The UCI's licence commission oversees the registration of professional cycling teams.
UCI world championships are held annually in each of the disciplines as well as World Cups (excluding men's road racing, but including women's). Road, track, mountain bike and BMX are the four cycling disciplines included in the Olympic programme.
External links: History of the UCI | UCI YouTube channel
Latest
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UCI announces gravel World Championships, new cyclocross format and 'the development of snow bike'
Gravel cycling has gained huge popularity in the last few years with the UCI hoping to harness that for new races
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
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No other candidates come forward meaning David Lappartient to remain UCI president for four more years
The Frenchman was first elected in 2017, replacing Briton Brian Cookson
By Chris Marshall-Bell •
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Team director banned by UCI for sexual harassment
Marc Bracke was found guilty of breaking cycling’s code of ethics after allegations were made by two riders
By Alex Ballinger •
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Women’s WorldTour rider salaries increase by 25 per cent, according to UCI
One year after Women’s WorldTeams were introduced, the governing body praises ‘positive impact on women riders’
By Alex Ballinger •
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Leaked discussions between WADA and UCI reveals tension over Chris Froome salbutamol case
A leaked discussion between the UCI and WADA have revealed the tensions caused by the Chris Froome salbutamol case.
By Alex Ballinger •
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Delko rider banned for doping says he tested positive after eye surgery
A Delko rider banned for doping has claimed he tested positive after having eye surgery.
By Alex Ballinger •
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UCI ‘firmly condemns racist attacks’ against Nacer Bouhanni
The UCI says it “firmly condemns the racist attacks” aimed at Nacer Bouhanni.
By Alex Ballinger •
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UCI publishes images clarifying banned rider positions
Cycling's governing body has published explanations for the raft of new safety measures being introduced in 2021, including barriers and rubbish disposal
By Jonny Long •
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Tell us: What are your thoughts on the UCI banning the supertuck and forearms on the handlebars position?
Cycling’s international governing body has banned the ‘supertuck’ position and the forearms on handlebars pose, which offer an aerodynamic advantage to any rider adopting these riding styles.
By Alex Ballinger •
