The proposal of organizers ASO, RCS Sport and Flanders Classics to reduce the number of riders in their races may have been shelved for the time being. UCI president Brian Cookson tells radsport-news.com that it was "not a deman, but a wish" of the organizers.
Organizers ASO, RCS Sport and Flanders Classics announced late last month that they want fewer riders in their races.
In the most important classics like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, the plan is to have 7 and not 8 riders at the start while it will be nine instead of eight in the grand tours.
Most teams, including Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere, have been fierce opponents of the proposal, which could leave many riders without a team.
The International Cycling Union UCI has now confirmed that the proposal has been taken off the table. "We understand that it was more of a wish than a demand of the organizers," president Brian Cookson said after a conference with the main teams in Mallorca.
Early next year, discussions will again be started.
"If the measure is introduced, it will be announced in the summer, so that the teams can prepare adequately for the next season," said Cookson, who doesn’t fear a solo initiative from the organizers.
However, RCS director Mauro Vegni recently told Velonews that the meeting in Mallorca changed nothing.
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