December 04, 2012 – The International Cycling Union (UCI) today launched the first phase of its wide-ranging consultation exercise, inviting all of cycling’s stakeholders for their input in order to build a bright future for cycling and tackle issues of concern in the sport.

Letters have been sent to riders, teams, race organisers, national federations, administrators, sponsors, industry representatives, anti-doping organisations and sports bodies, asking for their comments on a proposed list of topics that have been divided into four main pillars of discussion: globalisation, anti-doping, riders and sports calendar.

Stakeholders have until 10th December to send their comments and suggestions about the list of topics back to the UCI, which will then finalise and announce the format of the Stakeholder Consultation.

UCI President Pat McQuaid said he looked forward to the collaboration between all of cycling’s stakeholders in the common interest of the sport: “We will work together to tackle issues of concern and build a bright future for cycling. We will look at how we can continue the process of globalising cycling, encourage wider participation and make the sport even more interesting for spectators.”

The consultation, which will take place in the first quarter of 2013, is completely separate from the external Independent Commission, which is charged with looking into the issues and allegations contained in the USADA decision relating to the Armstrong affair.