Split between top teams and UCI looms

Cycling looks set for a major split after the UCI's threat to exclude teams who take part in the Paris-Nice stage race from all events organised by the ruling body including the showpiece ProTour.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has been at odds with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) since the Tour de France organisers refused to be part of the ProTour series, which guarantees top teams a place in the most prestigious races.

UCI president Pat McQuaid believes ASO want to create their own private league outside the governing body's regulations and conceded that cannot be prevented.

"If ASO have in mind to set up a private league we can't stop that, they have the right to do it," he told Reuters in an interview on Friday.

McQuaid said the dispute with ASO was not only about the organisers' determination to choose the teams to compete in their events.

"I'm now confused because IPCT (International Professional Cycling Teams) put forward a proposal earlier this week.

"On the one hand, Paris-Nice would be included in the UCI calendar and be run under our regulations. On the other hand, the UCI would put away the 18 ProTour team rule.

"And we responded in a positive way. (ASO president) Patrice Clerc just acknowledged that we were ready to drop the 18-team rule but that's all.

Another agenda

"The fact that he did not accept the proposal means the 18 teams were not the issue. ASO clearly had another agenda and it points clearly in the direction of a private league outside the UCI," McQuaid added.

The situation is reminiscent of that in 1972, when the ATP was created after the top players decided to part with the international tennis federation to run the game themselves.

McQuaid warned the riders that they have a lot to lose if they leave the UCI framework.

"Right now, they're probably sitting in hotels in Paris wondering if they start Paris-Nice on Sunday. That's not correct," he said.

"They have to understand we are fighting for their future as well. If they go to a private league they have absolutely no rights. We have improved the lot for riders, teams and organisers. We gave them correct contracts, insurance, pension funds. They'd lose every bit of that.

"Some of them have already asked their managers to race in the Tirreno-Adriatico instead of the Paris-Nice because they fear for their future.

"Others say yes (we will start Paris-Nice) because they think it will be resolved on Sunday. But if it is not, they will be victims."

McQuaid added that the UCI had already started to expand outside Europe, a move set to secure new contracts.

"We have plans in Russia and we will organise the Tour of China in 2009. We have been assured that there would be political support," he said.