Katusha join Orica-GreenEdge in leaving the MPCC
Katusha leaves the Movement for Credible Cycling after being put in a tough spot over the voluntary suspension of the team after doping offences
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

After Tuesday's decision by Orica-GreenEdge to leave the Movement for Credible Cycling, Russian team Katusha has followed suit by exiting the organisation.
Unlike Orica, Katusha have had their anti-doping issues in recent months, escaping a ban from the UCI after two failed drugs tests in the past six months, but under MPCC rules the team would need to serve a suspension.
In a press release, Katusha point out that the UCI has adopted some of the MPCC's rules, such as the no-needles policy and suspending teams with multiple doping offences.
But the team say that because the MPCC's rules on suspensions have not been relaxed they are put in a difficult position and have therefore renounced their membership.
"On the one hand the Disciplinary Commission of the UCI decided not to impose any team suspension following the cases of Luca Paolini and Eduard Vorganov but on the other hand the MPCC still considers that a suspension is necessary in application of its own rules," Katusha's statement read.
"Moreover, a suspension of Team Katusha during a WorldTour race based on the MPCC Rules would violate the UCI Regulations of mandatory participation and the Disciplinary Commission would then be obliged to sanction the Team."
Alexander Kristoff reveals his toughest day on the bike
Despite now being outside MPCC rules, Katusha insist they will be voluntarily adhering to some of the organisation's initiatives, such as the prohibition of Tramadol and the imposition of rest for riders with low cortisol levels.
Three WorldTour teams left the MPCC in 2015 - Lampre-Merida, LottoNL-Jumbo and Astana - and with Orica and Katusha's departures the MPCC is left with just seven top-tier teams.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
-
Computer company Acer is making an AI-powered bike and it’s got some wild features
Taiwanese hardware and electronics corporation, Acer, best known for its powerful laptop computers, appears to be diversifying its product offerings with the creation of a (super) smart e-bike
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
It's not just Remco v Roglič at Volta a Catalunya as two becomes three: 'When two are fighting, it's the other who takes it'
Is Giulio Ciccone, at the once-assumed peak age of 28, developing into a serious rival for the best?
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
'We are just getting started': Israel-Premier Tech launches Field of Dreams project in Rwanda
Pump track and cycling course built in Bugesera to help develop cycling talent in central Africa
By Adam Becket • Published
-
CW LIVE: Primož Roglič confirmed for Giro d'Italia 2023; Track rider hits 2,271 watts; NCL announces first two teams; Van Aert to ride cyclo-cross Worlds; Sram and Oakley team up with Jumbo-Visma; Rwanda unveils pump track: Evenepoel eyes Pogačar showdown
Join us as we round up the day's cycling news
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
'It was Purgatory': Cancer survivor rides 627km around Cyprus in a day
Alexandros Agrotis fought off fatigue to raise funds for thyroid cancer, which he had as a teenager
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Freedom to cycle — The female Afghan refugees rediscovering life on the bike in Italy
Israel-Premier Tech helped bring a group of 70 Afghan refugees to Italy in July as part of helping wider resettlement efforts
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Teams target up to four races a day in relegation points scramble
For Lotto-Soudal and Cofidis, the racing is only just beginning
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Israel-Premier Tech owner welcomes Afghan female cyclists and refugees in Italy after leading group's rescue
Team owner Sylvan Adams also highlighted his commitment to partner with two women's teams in 2023
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Israel-Premier Tech unveils limited edition Tour de France kit
Team launches ‘Field of dreams’ campaign to help kids in Rwanda
By Tom Thewlis • Last updated
-
'Perfect fit' — Israel-Premier Tech enter Women's WorldTour, partnering with Roland Cogeas Edelweiss Squad
Israeli-Canadian team will be a prominent sponsor of the Swiss women's team from this year
By Adam Becket • Published