British Cycling's CEO has stepped down with immediate effect by agreement with the board of directors after a turbulent year for the national cycling organization.

In a series of controversial decisions, British Cycling has faced a difficult few weeks after Shell announced on October 10 that it would become the official partner supporting British cyclists and para-cyclists. However, the petrochemical giant will not be a major partner like HSBC and Sky had been the previous year.

The partnership attracted national media attention, along with condemnation from Greenpeace, and Cycling News coverage revealed considerable disappointment among British Cycling insiders and staff.

British Cycling, which has approximately 145,000 members, is also said to be facing a financial deficit in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and it is estimated that the Shell partnership will provide between 1 and 1.5 million pounds.

British Cycling and Shell have denied that Facer's role in the Shell partnership had any impact on his departure. In a statement, British Cycling claimed, "We reiterate our unwavering commitment to our commercial partners, including Shell UK."

The backlash over the Shell partnership is not the only PR issue British Cycling has faced in recent months.

The organization came under fire in April for reversing its policy on transgender athletes in competition, and in September it faced criticism for suggesting that cyclists should not ride outdoors on the day of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

In a statement, British Cycling explained that it had launched a search for a new CEO and that Cycling Delivery Director Daniel Ebli had been appointed acting CEO on an interim basis.

British Cycling chairman Frank Slevin further explained that " We are committed to delivering on our strategy to "lead our sport and inspire our community" while continuing to support and grow our sport and wider activities and provide the Great Britain Cycling Team riders with the best platform for success. We will continue to do all we can to achieve this goal.

." The new CEO joins the organization at an exciting time, with the UCI Cycling World Championships to be held in Scotland next year, and the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games."