UCI: ProTeam sponsors support ProTour

Meanwhile, the UCI's latest salvo in its ongoing disagreement with the Grand Tour organisers is to claim that the sponsors of the 20 ProTeams support a united professional series.

"After discussions in Brussels today [December 12] with leaders of the UCI, including president Pat McQuaid, vice president Hein Verbruggen and the president of the ProTour Counsel Vittorio Adorni, representatives of the sponsors of the 20 ProTour teams have confirmed their support for a united professional series," the UCI said in a statement.

The statement said that the sponors expressed their willingness to assume a strong role within the ProTour after presentations on marketing and television opportunities and an explanation from the UCI of the general situation. The sponsors have requested another meeting on January 18, 2006 to determine the nature of their involvement.