The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) says it has prolonged the suspension of cycling events until June 1, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic around the world.
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A statement on the world cycling governing body’s website indicated that the decision was necessitated by the growing increase in the number of infected persons all over the world.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that UCI in March decided to suspend all its events for three weeks until Friday.
But the growing spread of the coronavirus has changed those dates.
“For the second time in two weeks, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) brought together all representatives of professional road cycling’s families —- AIOCC (organisers), AIGCP (teams) and CPA (riders) —– on Wednesday.
“The meeting was to discuss the situation of professional road cycling linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Following the meeting, given the severity of the health situation throughout the world, the UCI and its stakeholders unanimously decided to prolong the suspension of cycling competitions until June 1, and until further notice.
“The UCI also decided that this extension would apply to all cycling disciplines and all categories of riders.
“In its role of the governing body of our sport, the UCI is working on a framework for the future UCI International Road Calendar, based on its exchanges with the stakeholders and giving priority to the three Grands Tours and cycling’s Monuments.
“The result of this internal work will be communicated when the conditions are right.
“Confirming the principle of a prolongation of the men’s and women’s road season, announced on March 18, the UCI does not exclude the possibility of pushing back the end of the season depending on the date racing resumes, when this is known,’’ the statement disclosed.
It added that the body was fully aware of the consequences of the current crisis on the professional group, the UCI and cycling’s families.
The body also approved the creation of a working group, composed of representatives of federations, the CPA and the AIGCP.
The group is to come up with concrete initiatives concerning, notably, riders’ contracts and the situation of the teams in the context of the current inactivity linked to the pandemic.
“To date, the UCI has received more than 450 requests for the postponement or cancellation of events, of which a large majority concern road cycling.
“In this extremely difficult context, the UCI as cycling’s world body will continue its consultations with the different families to find the best solutions for our sport.
“In this period of widespread incertitude, which is weakening the financial situation of all involved, the UCI again calls on everyone to be united, responsible and strong.’’
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