A few weeks after stepping down from his general manager position of the Katusha team, Viatcheslav Ekimov has been elected President of the Russian Cycling Federation, the position his boss at Katusha Ifor Makarov had left earlier in the year. 

Ekimov was up against Russian businessman Alexander Vinokourov (who has nothing to do with the manager of Astana) but was finally elected unanimously afterthe withdrawal of his rival before the election. The former professional rider succeeded where he failed six years ago.

"In 2010 I was already a candidate. Back then it was of an adventurous nature," the Russian told TASS . "The last six years I have gained experience in administrative work and my nomination was serious this time. I thank all members for their support."

Makarov does not disappear completely from. He was appointed honorary chairman.