The European Cycling Union (UEC) President’s candidacy had been rumoured in recent months, after he announced his decision not to seek a third term as the French Cycling Federation (FFC) President in October.

"Given the challenges lying ahead for the future President of the UCI and his team, there is a great deal at stake for both our sport and our international federation," said Lappartient.

"With my proven track record as a two-term President of the FFC, my experience as President of the UEC since 2013, and with the strong backing of the FFC, I have made the decision to be a candidate to become the next President of the UCI and lead a solid reform that will genuinely overcome the various challenges that the organisation is faced with.

J’ai une réelle ambition pour le cyclisme. Je suis candidat à la présidence de l'@UCI_cycling : https://t.co/LXpU411xkT #LappartientUCI pic.twitter.com/FEDzwdfEsI

— David Lappartient (@DLappartient) June 20, 2017

"My level of engagement in this mission and the action plan that I propose are bracketed around five pillars I consider as essential if we are to be successful on this undertaking, and in the interests of international cycling."

Lappartient claims he has become aware of a "significant desire and need for change in governance expressed by national federations in recent months", with the Frenchman claiming his manifesto displays a "real ambition" for cycling.

He has prioritised strengthening the authority of the UCI with "real and effective leadership", which would place the organisation at the service of National Federations, "making cycling a sport for the 21st century".

Developing an ambitious vision for professional cycling and ensuring credibility of sporting results and protecting athletes are also part of the "five pillars" in his manifesto.

Britain's Cookson, who ousted Ireland's Pat McQuaid from the top job in the sport in 2013, unveiled his manifesto earlier this month.

He claimed the UCI has become "cleaner, stronger and more transparent" during his four-year tenure and claimed he is only seeking one more term in office.

Cookson has prioritised accelerating international development, championing cycling for transport and leisure, ensuring equal opportunities for men and women to participate and compete, building on restored credibility and ensuring the UCI continues to drive excellence in operations.

Lappartient, who has served as part of the UCI Management Committee under Cookson, believes the new President must improve the governance of the federation by granting a larger role to elected representatives and the Management Committee.

"My goal will be to make the UCI an international federation that is strong, influential and able to make substantial contributions to the Olympic and Paralympic movement," he said.

"My second point of action will be to place the UCI at the service of every national federation.

"In order to achieve this, the World Cycling Centre will play a key role in implementing a robust cooperative and solidarity programme that is meaningful to the federations.

"It will also be necessary to modernise the format of the World Championships and develop new tools that will effectively meet the needs of its members.

"The UCI must make cycling a sport of the 21st century, which constitutes the third pillar of my project.

"This will mean promoting the development of women's cycling, focusing in particular on its structure in terms of both races and teams.

"We must also encourage any initiatives aimed at making cycling accessible to everyone in society and encouraging participation across all of its disciplines.

"Developing an ambitious vision for professional cycling will be of critical importance for the new management team, and this will be the fourth key area of my project. 

"To sustain such scheme, a clear and credible reform will need to be implemented and will require the goodwill and great collaboration among every stakeholder."

The Frenchman has vowed to establish an action plan aimed at supporting the fight against technological fraud, as well as seeking to work in partnership with the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Cookson had warned Lappartient to wait four years before bidding again in 2021.

Responding to the challenge, Cookson questioned the detail in Lappartient's plan for the future of cycling.

"I strongly believe that my track record of restoring integrity and credibility to the UCI, and developing cycling over the past four years, together with my plans for a final four year term as president, will be judged favourably by the cycling family at the UCI Congress in Bergen in September," said Cookson.

"My plans can be read on my campaign website together with some of the messages of support I have been proud to receive from across the cycling world, from those most familiar with the work of my administration.

"That website also contains a summary of the many things which have been achieved over the last four years of my leadership of the UCI across anti-doping, governance, transparency, women's cycling, communication and the development of the sport.

"Having recently had confirmation from the IOC that at the Tokyo Games we will have additional medals for men's and women's events in both the Madison and BMX Freestyle, I am proud that cycling is now the third largest Olympic sport.

"Having changed the constitution of the UCI to introduce term limits and improve the election process after the controversial events of four years ago, I respect other people's right to announce their candidature.

"I note that so far David Lappartient has not set out very much detail in his plan or any vision he may have beyond his well known personal ambition for the role.

"I look forward to debating what matters for the future of cycling over the coming months."

Lappartient had criticised the leadership of Cookson in a letter last year, citing the governing body's feud with the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) over the UCI's World Tour reforms.

The Frenchman, who has been viewed as having a close relationship with the ASO, backed an agreement, though, reached by the UCI and the ASO in June.

That saw the race organiser's events remain on the World Tour for the 2017 season.

The election is due to take place during the UCI Congress in Bergen in Norway on September 22.

Nominations must be submitted by Thursday (June 22), three months before the date of the election.