PARIS, Feb 29, 2008 (AFP) – Cyclists due to compete in the Paris-Nice stage race have asked organisers to make amendments to a proposed teams’ contract, which in midweek prompted anger from the sport’s world ruling body.
The first major European stage race of the season will be held under a cloud after organisers controversially opted to hold it under the aegis of the French federation, and not the International Cycling Union (UCI).
That decision came in the wake of major race organisers, such as Tour de France and Paris-Nice organiser ASO (Amaury Sports Organisation), splitting from the UCI’s Pro Tour series.
Despite the threat of UCI sanctions, a call from the UCI for teams to boycott Paris-Nice went unheeded in midweek.
However it appears that teams, represented by their international body, the AIGCP, have listened to UCI chief Pat McQuaid’s warnings over the severity of the contract linking them to ASO’s race. “It’s a question of responding to the legitimate expectations of the teams,” AIGCP president Eric Boyer told AFP.
Boyer, who is also the manager of French team Cofidis, said Friday’s three-hour meeting had been “very animated”, but ultimately the teams are ready to compete in the ‘Race to the Sun’. McQuaid had warned teams in his letter over ASO being able to unilaterally determine the reasons to expel individuals or entire teams from its races.
That move is in direct response to the numerous doping scandals which have marred the Tour de France, including last year’s edition when riders from Astana, Cofidis, Rabobank and T-Mobile further discredited the event. Boyer said Friday he hoped ASO would apply that particular clause “across the board”, to all teams.
Ongoing tensions between the UCI and major race organisers, mainly over disagreements with Pro Tour issues, have worsened this season. Most recently, ASO controversially did not invite Astana – a Pro Tour team- to the 2008 Tour de France on the premise that the doping scandal which led to its exit from the 2007 edition had done lasting damage to the race’s image.
That decision enraged the UCI, who highlighted the fact that other teams were thrown off the race after a rider tested positive.

McQuaid feels strongly that Astana, which features Tour de France champion Alberto Contador and third placed finisher Levi Leipheimer, should be allowed to race in July.
Ultimately, the escalation this week of their existing feud could have more serious implications for bigger races, such as the Tour de France.