Ian Drake has announced that he will step down as chief executive of British Cycling in April following a seven-year spell.

Drake has claimed that he made the decision in order to allow a new chief executive to take the organisation forward for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"Some time ago I made the decision that the Rio Games would be my last as CEO of British Cycling," Drake said in a statement. "I believe that the end of this Olympic cycle is the natural moment for a new CEO to take the organisation forward into the Tokyo Games and beyond.

"I have been involved with British Cycling in some form for almost 20 years, the last eight as CEO, and it is an organisation that I will always love. I have been privileged to be a part of the amazing success we have experienced over those two decades and I know that it will go on to even greater heights in the years to come.

"All organisations, particularly those operating at the highest level of sport, periodically require new leadership to take them to greater heights and tackle their new challenges - now is the right moment for both myself and British Cycling to move on."

The organisation is already searching for a new performance director following the departure of Shane Sutton, who was accused of sexism, but denies the allegations.

In addition, UK Anti-Doping is investigating British Cycling over allegations of wrongdoing in relation to claims surrounding the therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs).