UCI May Shun Paris-Nice In Row With ASO
Feb. 25, 2008

The war between the UCI and major race organizers took a significant new twist on Monday as world cycling’s governing body warned that it might have nothing to do with Paris-Nice, the European calendar's first major race of the season.

The March 9-16 race is owned by Amaury Sports Organization (ASO), which also runs the Tour de France. Following a long-running dispute and subsequent split between the UCI and major race organizers, ASO aims to run Paris-Nice under the auspices of the French cycling federation (FFC), with backing from the French government.

However, in a letter sent to all teams and officials on Monday, UCI chief Pat McQuaid warned that the race will have no support from the governing body, and suggested that the French Sports Ministry and any teams planning to participate reconsider their positions. "This measure is utterly irregular and will have far-reaching consequences for all parties involved," McQuaid said.

"Under the chosen format the UCI rules do not permit Paris-Nice to be considered an event on the French national calendar. Consequently, if the FFC insists on maintaining this position, the race will take place entirely outside the regulatory and organizational structure of the UCI.

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