PARIS, April 6, 2011 (AFP) – Cycling’s elite peloton are set to
significantly boost their air miles tally by competing in the inaugural Tour
of Beijing in October, following an agreement signed by the International
Cycling Union (UCI) Wednesday.

UCI chief Pat McQuaid has been proactive in taking the sport out of its
traditional heartland of Europe in a bid to widen its appeal, and is
especially keen to solidify cycling in Asia.

Having already helped cement the status of the Tour Down Under in Australia
and the Grand Prix of Quebec/Montreal, the Tour of Beijing will join cycling’s
elite World Tour beginning October 2011 for a minimum four-year period.

After signing the deal with Liu Jingmin, the deputy Mayor of the Beijing
Municipal Government, on Wednesday, McQuaid said: “The Tour of Beijing is a
significant step in the UCI’s policy of the globalisation of cycling.

“Like other countries in this continent, China is fast establishing an
important place for itself in the world of cycling, and we are extremely
satisfied to be able to finalize this project – which represents a great
achievement for the whole Asian cycling movement – in cooperation with
Beijing’s authorities.

“I’m sure UCI’s know-how and China’s enthusiasm will make this new event a
very successful one.”

Liu added: “Hosting the 2008 Olympic Games was an amazing experience for
Beijing and we did not want to stop there. The Tour of Beijing is a legacy of
these Games.

“Our city is honored to be part of the UCI WorldTour and proud to once
again welcome the world’s elite cyclists.”

The first edition of the Tour of Beijing will take place from October 5-9.

As part of the UCI WorldTour, the race will automatically draw the
participation of the 18 UCI ProTeams, guaranteeing a high quality event.

The UCI added: “It will also receive extensive television coverage,
reaching 150 million homes worldwide.

“At the same time this new event will promote cycling as a healthy means of
transport, reinforcing Beijing city’s green strategy dealing with
environmental and sustainable energy issues.”