February 07, 2014 – At their meeting last week in Hoogerheide, Netherlands, the UCI Management Committee discussed the issues surrounding Rule 1.2.019 and agreed to suspend enforcement of the rule for the remainder of the 2014 season.

The UCI made waves in April last year following a request by USA Cycling for clarification regarding Article 1.2.019 pertaining to licensed riders participating in non-UCI sanctioned events. A letter issued by President Pat McQuaid to all national federations reminded them of the rule: “No licence holder may participate in an event that has not been included on a national, continental or world calendar or that has not been recognized by a national federation, a continental confederation or the UCI.”

A great deal of uproar and hand-wringing by racers and organizers alike was forthcoming as the rule would affect many pro riders and races such the Test of Metal events in BC, the Mount Hood Cycling Classic in Oregon, the Whisky 50 in Arizona, and other high-profile events including the BC Bike Race, TransRockies and Crankworx that could be affected – read more here.

Article 1.2.019 can be found in a section called “Forbidden Races” under UCI general regulations and related rules 1.2.020 and 1.2.021 provide additional details, including specifying punishment via fine or suspension for all UCI license holders who violate the rule.

Soon after the uproar last year the UCI decided to postpone any ruling, and has elected to postpone things again. “Although we would have liked to see a concrete resolution regarding Rule 1.2.019, we are nonetheless encouraged that there will be continuing dialogue regarding the worldwide ramifications of the rule in the coming year,” said USA Cycling President & CEO Steve Johnson in a release. “In the meantime, we are pleased that enforcement of the rule will be suspended for another year.”