September 27, 2006 – As reported by Associated Press, Pat McQuaid, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale, is pondering a shortened Tour de France and other Grands Tours–meaning the Giro and the Vuelta. University researchers are currently trying to determine the best way to change such races in order to counter doping. Shortening the races is one suggestion being explored. The Tour de France currently lasts three weeks.

McQuaid also roundly criticized Dick Pound, President of the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA), for some of his recent derogatory comments about the widespread use of doping in professional cycling.