September  23, 2003 -The International Cycling Union has taken note with indignation that WADA's independent observer's report was divulged to the press before the UCI had the chance to study it and amend certain inaccurate points contained in the document which is strictly confidential.

The leak to the French press happened exactly the day before WADA's Executive Meeting will pronounce itself on the list of banned substances, with a main discussion on which the UCI's point of view is, as well as many others notably scientists, fundamentally opposed to the adopted position, notably, by France. Another article was moreover published in the same newspaper on this subject.

The publication of a confidential project report harms badly the serenity of the discussion, some of which apparently wants to avoid being based on rational and scientific arguments.

The UCI observes once more that these information leaks are absolutely unacceptable, often originate from France, and always take cycling as a privileged target. The UCI is not willing to tolerate similar situations anymore and requires WADA to open an official investigation in order to establish responsibilities in this matter.

The UCI has taken good note of WADA's apologies and requests that the investigation is maintained not only to explore the origin of the leak.

The UCI would like to underline that its confidence in WADA's system has been affected and that consequently no observer of this organization will be recognized in its functions in future cycling  events.

This measure, which simply re-establishes fairness in cycling events  and other major international competitions that are not submitted to WADA's control rule, will remain in force until a definite and satisfying  solution to the problem is found.