Brian Cookson blocks Pat McQuaid allies from counting votes in UCI election Telegraph Sport has learnt that British Cycling president Cookson succeeded in preventing UCI lawyer Philippe Verbiest and manager of national federations Dominique Raymond being part of the team tasked with verifying the number of votes cast for the two candidates. Cookson is understood to have been stunned to learn that colleagues of UCI president McQuaid could be so directly involved in administering the election. Cookson's argument that it represented a potential conflict of interests held sway, with the votes to be counted instead by two national federation presidents before being independently scrutinised. The procedural row was only the latest in an election marred by such controversies, with McQuaid accused of stretching the rules to breaking point to secure a third term in office. The 64-year-old may not even make it to the vote if the UCI Congress in Florence decides he is ineligible to stand because he has failed to secure nominations from his home federation, Cycling Ireland, and the country where he resides, Swiss Cycling. McQuaid exploited a lack of clarity in the UCI constitution to secure alternative nominations, a move that appears certain to be challenged legally if he beats Cookson. That may help to explain why Cookson has said he would not quit the UCI if he loses on Friday. Cookson had said that he would seriously consider walking away if McQuaid secured a third term as the most powerful man in the sport. But having been given the overwhelming backing of the European Cycling Union in his battle with the Irishman 10 days ago, Cookson concluded he could better fight for his beliefs from the inside and will therefore stand for re-election to the UCI management committee. "I will still carry on doing my best to work for the sport that I put so much time and effort into over many, many years," he said. Cookson has said he was confident of getting a vote in the "high twenties" which, from 42 delegates, would represent an overwhelming victory. He refused to talk numbers on Wednesday but Sir Bradley Wiggins left no doubt what he thought about the election, saying: "From what I understand, it's a done deal. Cookson's already in.