UCI CALLS FOR PARIS-NICE BOYCOTT

CW International news logo

Cycling?s governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has called for all teams to boycott Paris-Nice this March.

The UCI?s call for the teams to quit one of Europe?s biggest races indicates just how serious the conflict between the UCI and the Paris-Nice organiser, ASO, has become. It came just hours after the French Cycling Federation said it was prepared to provide the commissaires and anti-doping inspectors from the French anti-doping agency (AFLD) for the race, thereby completely bypassing the UCI.

"It's about defending the survival one of cycling's top events." French Cycling Federation president Jean Pitallier countered.

Quite apart from Paris-Nice, longer term there are other worrying consequences: the UCI also claim the "unacceptable insubordination of ASO and its allies...could undermine the remarkable efforts made by cycling in the biological passport, which the UCI reserves the right to apply as a priority to those of our partners who abide by its rules."

So far the squads' reaction has been muted, although former teams association President Patrick Lefevre, manager of the Quick Step team, has made an appeal for unity.

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

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.