UCI suspends French federation until end of year

The French cycling federation (FFC) has been suspended until the end of the year by the International Cycling Union (UCI) because of its backing of the Paris-Nice race, the UCI said yesterday.

Under the suspension, the FFC representatives will not be eligible for UCI elections and will be banned from committees and commissions until December 31, 2008, the sport's governing body added.

However, the sanction will not affect French riders, who will be allowed to compete in all international events, including this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing.

The Paris-Nice race, among the events run by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), who also organise the Tour de France, was organised under the jurisdiction of the French federation from March 9-16.

At the heart of the dispute is the issue of who decides which teams can compete in a race. Under UCI rules, the 18 ProTour teams have a guaranteed place in the major races, while the organisers of the tours of France, Spain and Italy want to retain their right to decide who competes.

ASO announced earlier this month that the July 5-27 Tour de France would be organised under the aegis of the FFC.