Moreno aims for presidency role

Up against Pat McQuaid and Seri Darshan Singh Gill in the UCI election this September, Spaniard Gregorio Moreno has said that he is hopeful of taking over as president when Hein Verbruggen stands down from the position. In a lengthy interview with the Meta 2Mil publication, Moreno admitted that McQuaid was currently the favourite to succeed the Dutchman, but said that he also can count upon some strong support.

"Within European cycling there are many people who have shown open preference for my candidacy," he stated. "We will work hard over the next few weeks to get the support of the 42 countries that have to vote.

"I have the support of a very significant part of those in professional cycling. I can also state that all the organizers are on my side, beginning with those from the three Grand Tours and also those from the other races. I have the support of the teams that are not part of the UCI Pro Tour and also a significant part of those that do belong to this group", he declared.

Moreno, director of the Vuelta a Burgos and president of the Associación Española de Organizadores de Carreras (Spanish Association of Race Organisers) declined to comment on the allegations made by former UCI member Sylvia Schenk that Hein Verbruggen has provided improper support for the candidacy of his preferred successor, McQuaid.

"What I must do is to present my candidacy to the voters and who they represent. After that, I will accept whatever result they decide," he said