November 28/03 2:29 am - UCI News

Posted by Editoress on 11/28/03
 

UCI News

On the 20th of December 2003, the Professional Cycling Council will name the 20 teams which will join the first division (TT/I) in 2004.

Almost 70 teams, including 10 new structures, have already informed the UCI of their interest in registering in the first or second divisions. Experience has shown that not all these initiatives will come to fruition. They do, however, show that professional cycling is an effective and beneficial advertising vehicle, appreciated by sponsors.

The announcement on the introduction of the "UCI ProTour" has further strengthened this interest and definitely encouraged companies of international standing to invest in cycling next year.


Nomination of the best organizers in the 2003 UCI MTB World Cup

As happens every year, all those involved in the 2003 UCI MTB World Cup, including riders and teams, have nominated the best competition in the series. The main evaluation criteria were the technical level of the course, the quality of the organisation and the number of spectators.

The results are as follows:
St-Wendel (GER) was nominated best organizer of the Cross-country 2003 UCI MTB WC.

Fort William (GBR) was nominated best organizer of the Downhill and 4-Cross 2003 UCI MTB WC for the second consecutive year.


News on the anti-doping fight

The UCI at the Symposium of Cycling Doctors Dr Mario Zorzoli, the UCI Doctor, travelled to Como on the 21st and 22nd of November to take part in a symposium organised by the Medical Commission of the Italian Federation and the Association of Italian Cycling Doctors. He used this opportunity to describe the medical and statutory implications resulting from adoption of the Anti-doping Code, and what the new requirements would be for anti-doping tests at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

The following riders have been sanctioned for doping offences:

Wilson PANELUISA ARROBA, sanctioned by the Ecuadorian Cycling Federation, disqualification of Vuelta a Colombia 2003, suspension of 6 months from 1 August 2003 to 31 January 2004.

Denys TISHCHENKO, sanctioned by the Russian Cycling Federation, disqualification of Rund um den Henninger Turm 2003, suspension of 2 years from 30 July 2003 to 30 July 2005, fine of CHF 100.-.

Barry FORDE, sanctioned by Barbados Cycling Union, warning and disqualification of World Track Championships and Pan-American Games 2003.