MCQUAID WARNS TEAMS NOT TO SIGN ASO CONTRACT

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
UCI President Pat McQuaid has warned teams who are participating in Paris-Nice that they are risking putting themselves outside the protection of the sport?s governing body, and accused race organiser ASO of exploiting teams for their own commercial benefit.
?You would be joining a private circuit controlled entirely by ASO for the benefit of its commercial interests,? he has said.
McQuaid has written a letter to all 17 teams on the start list, following ASO?s request that all sign a binding contract which includes an agreement to exclude riders who ?could damage the image of the event or the organiser.?
According to McQuaid, ASO would act as judge, jury and executioner if a rider was implicated in any doping scandal, or even mentioned in rumours.
?If you read the proposed contract carefully, you will see that it is completely one-sided in favour of ASO,? he wrote. ?The only purpose of this contract is the protection of the image of the race and ASO?s commercial interests.?
McQuaid also insisted that if Paris-Nice went ahead under ASO?s conditions, it would break UCI rules.
?Teams would have little else in terms of rights other than the right to submit to the wishes of ASO. It allows ASO to wipe out at a stroke all the rules and regulations which have been built up over the years in order to ensure a balance of power between the teams and organisers.?
?Your participation at Paris-Nice organised in this manner by ASO would be a total violation of the rules of the UCI.?
Thank you for reading 20 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
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
-
Meet the founder behind Instagram page trying to tackle bike theft by filling gaps left by police
Stolen Ride is helping find people's missing steeds in London, though its founder says more needs to be done when it comes to punishing thieves
By Adam Becket Published
-
Trek issues US 'stop ride' over e-bike brake issue which could cause 'serious accident'
The recall applies to Trek Allant+ 7 bicycles with Tektro brakes - in the US, Canada, and Bermuda
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Published