Cycling Australia alerts riders

In response to the critical situation that has developed due to the conflict between the UCI and ASO, the Board of Cycling Australia today expressed its support of the governing body of the sport, and urged its riders "take heed of the UCI directives with regard to participation in the Paris-Nice and other events not sanctioned by the governing body."

In an official press release, Cycling Australia CEO Graham Fredericks warned that "the UCI ... will uphold its responsibilities and apply the regulations. This could have a significant impact on the riders." Australians planned to take part in the event starting this Sunday include 2007 Tour de France runner-up Cadel Evans, Matthew Lloyd, Mathew Hayman, who could as a consequence be suspended for a period up to six months if he takes the start of the race owned by the Tour organiser ASO.

Still, Fredericks found it important at this point to state his support of the UCI. "It is crucial for the sport to remain under the control and direction of the UCI - the governing body elected to represent all constituents," Fredericks continued, while also expressing his approval of the resolution adopted by the European Cycling Union (UEC) Congress last weekend, which recommended that a review of the ProTour be undertaken.

"While we remain a supporter of the ProTour as the 'elite league' of international cycling competition, it is evident it needs to be reviewed to consider the interests of all the key stakeholders," he added.