Former UCI president Pat McQuaid has returned to the Tour of Britain (open in new tab) as part of the backroom staff of Trinity Racing (open in new tab).

The Irishman, who headed the sport's governing body from 2005 to 2013 until he was defeated in a controversial presidential election heavily criticized by Brian Cookson, is back at the Tour of Britain with his son, who owns and operates Trinity Racing. He drove a camper for Andrew McQuaid, who owned and operated Trinity Racing.

"It's a new role for me. My son Andrew owns Trinity Racing and I'm here as a driver. One of the things is that I got to see old friends and a lot of old colleagues. For example, I've known Mick Bennett, the organizer here, for a long time," Pat McQuaid told Cycling News at the Tour of Britain.

McQuaid now lives in the south of France, but still attends races; since leaving the UCI, he has often been seen at events with his dog and interacting with the riders. However, it has been almost a decade since he has worked in the sport, and he seems to enjoy this environment as the enthusiasm of the young riders rubs off on him.

"It's especially nice to be around young people who are really enthusiastic and ambitious. There is so much energy around them. I'm at the start and the finish. The last time I raced in Wales in a campervan was gorgeous. I've raced in Wales many times, but most of the time you could barely see the front wheel.

McQuaid had a successful career as an amateur rider in Ireland and at one point raced professionally for the British Viking Cycle team; before working for the UCI, he held a variety of roles from road coach to race director for the Nissan Classic.

His role at Trinity is less intense, but the 72-year-old enjoys a slower pace.

"It feels good, I've been involved at the grassroots level for years and years, long before I joined the UCI. Being at this level feels like the old days when I wasn't an organizer or a national team coach. It's great to be here without the stress and pressure. Nothing has been lost from the role I had in the past. It's great to see ambitious young athletes challenging their future."