Chassot (pictured), who had headed the national governing body since March last year, claimed that he had quit following "a small coup" which had forced him to withdraw Switzerland's support of McQuaid, even though he personally backs the Irishman.

The Swiss Cycling Federation had stepped in in May to support McQuaid - who lives in the country as the UCI is based there in Aigle - after Cycling Ireland had revoked their original nomination.

But it was challenged legally by three Swiss members, including former national coach Kurt Buergi, who claimed that it should be withdrawn because under UCI's constitution an individual is not allowed to be a member of two federations.

They were supported by Jaimie Fuller, founder of the pressure group Change Cycling Now and chairman of clothing manufacturer Skins.

Jaimie Fuller, founder of Change Cycling Now, is among those who opposed Swiss Cycling's decision to nominate Pat McQuaid for a third term as President of the UCI



An arbitration hearing was due to take place in Geneva today but yesterday Swiss Cycling withdrew its support of McQuaid.

"Last week, we made ​​a new vote and the majority of my Steering Committee was always favourable to the support of Pat McQuaid," said Chassot.

"Three members remained, however, opposed.

"And the following day, acting on my back with other critics of McQuaid, they managed to secure the withdrawal of Swiss Cycling.

"Those who do not agree held a small coup behind my back

"On Monday night, an email, of which I was not part of the recipients, was sent to try to get the idea of ​​reorganising a vote on the issue.

"I am a transparent and rigorous, I could not accept it."

insidethegames has seen e-mails from members of the Swiss Cycling Federation Executive Committee in which they backed McQuaid for the election in Florence on September 27 against Britain's Brian Cookson and claimed they were "very disappointed" at the decision to withdraw their support.

Chassot's resignation was announced on the Twitter account of the Tour de Romandie race, a UCI World Tour event which he organises.