Cycling: Discussions over new grands prix

By MATT MCGEEHAN
Published on 12/12/2012 00:00

THE UCI has confirmed it has held discussions over the restructuring of the international calendar with the World Series Cycling project.

Cycling’s world governing body insisted it would retain control of the race calendar, but announced a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the group, which plans ten four-day events alongside the three Grand Tours – of Italy, France and Spain – and six of the established one-day races.

The grands prix would include a time-trial, rolling stage, mountain stage and sprint stage. The world-wide series could be in place as soon as 2014. Financial backing is being provided by Czech billionaire businessman Zdenek Bakala, who owns Mark Cavendish’s Omega Pharma-QuickStep team.

The UCI said in a statement: “The International Cycling Union (UCI) confirms that it has been in discussions with Zdenek Bakala and his business partner Bessel Kok since late 2011 about the possible development of the professional road cycling calendar. These discussions have included their potential financial investment in a new joint venture company with the UCI and other cycling stakeholders that would promote and organise elements of this new calendar.”