February 6/14 12:37 pm - UCI Puts Off Decision on Non-Sanctioned events Until 2015

Posted by Editoress on 02/6/14
 

At their meeting last week in Hoogerheide, Netherlands, the UCI Management Committee discussed the issues surrounding Rule 1.2.019 and agreed to suspend enforcement of the rule for the remainder of the 2014 season.

UCI general regulations include a section called "Forbidden Races." Within it, Rule 1.2.019 states, "No license holder may participate in an event that has not been included on a national, continental or world calendar or that has not been recognized by a national federation, a continental confederation or the UCI." Related rules 1.2.020 and 1.2.021 provide additional details, including specifying punishment via fine or suspension for all UCI license holders who violate the rule.

The US federation has been particularly focussed on this situation, since they have a number of large events - such as the Whisky 50 - that are well-attended by pro mountain bikers (including last year's winner, Canada's Geoff Kabush).  In Canada, some events at Crankworx were also potentially caught in the scope of the rule.

USA Cycling President and CEO Steve Johnson commented: "Although we would have liked to see a concrete resolution regarding Rule 1.2.019, we are nonetheless encouraged that there will be continuing dialogue regarding the worldwide ramifications of the rule in the coming year.  In the meantime, we are pleased that enforcement of the rule will be suspended for another year."