At yesterday's meeting of the International Cycling Union's Management Committee, at the 2011 Road World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, British Cycling's President, Brian Cookson (pictured left, with UCI President Pat McQuaid) was named as the new President of the UCI Road Commission.

Speaking after the announcement, Brian said: "I am delighted with the appointment. It has come at a timely moment with British riders contesting medals at the Road World Championships in Copenhagen this week. My appointment will give British Cycling a voice at the top table of the UCI in one of its most prestigious cycling disciplines at a time when Britain is enjoying unprecedented success in road racing."

Ian Drake, British Cycling's Chief Executive, welcomed the announcement: "It's a great news, both for Brian and for British Cycling: it's first and foremost another significant appointment for Brian who has been massively influential in world cycling over the last decade. It's also a big boost for British Cycling. We've had increasing success on the road, internationally, in recent years and following on from the successes of the Sky Pro Cycling Team and all our international riders, this is a further indication of our growing influence as a Road Racing nation. How appropriate that the news should come through in the middle of a World Road Championships where we are having so much success."

Mr Marian Stetina (CZE) replaces Brian as UCI Cyclo-cross Commission President.