Private investigators seized former UCI chief Pat McQuaid’s laptop computer within minutes of him losing the presidency of the organisation to Britain’s Brian Cookson, it has emerged.

Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) president Pat McQuaid has failed to receive the backing of Cycling Ireland’s clubs in his bid to secure nomination for a third term.

Pat McQuaid’s bid for a further term as president of cycling’s world governing body has been endorsed by Switzerland as the Irishman swerved his compatriots.

The International Cycling Union switched its focus to a truth and reconciliation commission after disbanding its own independent commission set up to investigate any alleged involvement cycling’s world governing body may have had in the Lance Armstrong doping scandal.

One of the sponsors of the international cycling union (UCI) is suing the organisation for $2m (€1.55m) claiming they mismanaged the Lance Armstrong doping scandal.