The UCI, the world governing body of cycling, has removed former track world champion Frederic Magne as director of the UCI World Cycling Center in Aigle, Switzerland, over allegations including bullying, French news agency AFP reported. [Magne, a three-time world champion in keirin and four-time world champion in tandem sprint, was apparently dismissed two weeks ago.

"Based on the information we have received, the UCI no longer trusts Frederic Magne," a UCI spokesman told AFP.

UCI confirmed in a brief press release Tuesday afternoon that there had been a "breach of trust" and that Magne had been removed from his position as Executive Director of the UCI World Cycling Center UCI said it would consider new measures to strengthen the governance of the UCI WCC and protect the well-being of trainees and staff. He stated that he would consider them.

"UCI made its decision very quickly after gathering information and testimony on the serious issues concerning Mr. Frederic Magne.

"We will endeavor to take new measures to guarantee the well-being of the employees and trainees of our coaching and training centers. In particular, we are currently looking for ways to strengthen the governance of the UCI WCC, and UCI will make specific proposals to the managers at the next Foundation Board and UCI Management Committee meeting of the UCI World Cycling Center at the end of November.

Misdemeanors allegedly involving "systematic bullying, violent and manipulative behavior, and intimidation" were revealed by a former employee whose contract was not renewed, AFP reported.

He is also accused of "failing to consider the dietary requirements of Muslim cyclists," and witnesses testified that Magne, who was director of the center for 10 years, used "forms of fear to pressure employees."

"I cannot comment at all because I am bound by confidentiality," the 50-year-old Frenchman told AFP.

"We strongly object to these accusations," added Mathieu Blanc, Magne's lawyer, saying the dismissals were due to "political and strategic differences" and that the accusers were trying to damage Magne's reputation.