June 13, 2012 ( Salzburg, AUT) – The Professional Cycling Council (PCC) convened today in Salzburg (AUT) in a meeting chaired by Mr Vittorio Adorni (ITA). Speaking at the opening of the meeting, UCI President Mr Pat McQuaid emphasised a current trend in cycling that is very encouraging, namely the growing interest of governments and authorities in organising cycling events at all levels.

Mr McQuaid said: “Beyond the aspects related to competition, our sport is an ideal vehicle for fundamental values such as individual well-being and respect of the environment. This unique feature of cycling offers an extraordinary opportunity for development which dovetails perfectly with the UCI’s strategy of globalisation. It is an opportunity of which we must be ready to take full advantage.”

Mr McQuaid also described the Biological Passport – which has recently received several public statements of support – as one of the elements that has contributed to this generally favourable situation.

With regards to the 2012 season, the PCC confirmed the dates of two events that will be held in China in October. The Tour of Hangzhou – subject to being awarded a UCI WorldTour licence on 15 June – will be held from 17-21 October and will be the last event of this year’s UCI WorldTour. The Tour of Beijing will be held from 9-13 October.

The PCC then took note of the decision of the Russian Federation not to organise the Tour of Russia in 2013. A definitive calendar for next season will be submitted to the PCC for approval at the Maastricht meeting in September.

The PCC members were then informed of the status of the renewal of UCI WorldTour event licences. After the seven events that have already been confirmed for the 2013-2016 period (Eneco Tour, Gent-Wevelgem, Tour of Switzerland, Tour of Poland, Volta a Catalunya, GP Ouest France-Plouay, Vattenfall Cyclassics), the Licence Commission will on 15 June examine the applications by Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco, Clasica Ciclista San Sebastian, Critérium du Dauphiné, Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal and the Tour of Hangzhou.

In accordance with the prevailing regulations, the PCC then recommended that the UCI Management Committee – which will meet in Salzburg tomorrow – should renew the terms of office of the members of the Licence Commission (the President Mr Pierre Zappelli and Members Mr André Hurter, Mr Hans Höhener and Mr Paolo Franz) for a further four-year period.

Among other decisions taken at the meeting, the PCC offered its support to a request by Association Internationale des Organisateurs des Courses Cyclistes (AIOCC – organisers’ association) that aims to limit reclassification after the disqualification of a rider under Art. 2.6.037 to the first three riders of the general classification.
Under the proposal, forwarded to the UCI Management Committee by the PCC, if the disqualified rider has not placed on the podium, his or her position will remain blank in the results.

The PCC accepted the plan to create a UCI International Licence for riders – in accordance with the same principle already adopted for teams and organisers – which will not change the relationship between the athletes and their respective National Federations, and which may be introduced from 2014.

The PCC also confirmed its desire to maintain the financial support for the Junior Conference after the success of the first edition. This year’s conference will be held in Maastricht during the 2012 UCI Road World Championships.

To conclude the meeting, Dr Francesca Rossi, Director of the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF), described the plan to extend the Biological Passport programme to Continental level. The PCC expressed its desire for this initiative to be introduced from 2013. Consequently, the implementation will be submitted to the CADF for approval.