Hein Verbruggen, the former president of world cycling governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has passed away at the age of 75.

The Dutchman had been battling leukaemia.

Verbruggen had a controversial time in charge of the UCI between 1991 and 2005.

He denied the findings of an independent commission in 2015 which claimed the governing body colluded with Lance Armstrong to cover up doping allegations.

The UCI posted a short statement on Twitter, following news of Verbruggen's passing.

"The UCI is sad to hear about the passing of former President and IOC Member Hein Verbruggen. Our thoughts are with his family and friends," said the organisation about their former president. 

The UCI is sad to hear about the passing of former President and IOC Member Hein Verbruggen. Our thoughts are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/oUrYfstWT9

— UCI (@UCI_cycling) June 14, 2017