The International Cycling Union is the association of national cycling federations and is a non-governmental international association with a non-profit making purpose of international interest. The main purposes of the UCI are: to direct, develop, regulate, control and discipline cycling under all forms worldwide; to promote cycling in all the countries of the world and at all levels; to organise for all cycling sport disciplines, world championships of which it is the sole holder and owner; to encourage friendship between all members of the cycling world; and to promote sportsmanship and fair play.