Opinions divided on Paris-Nice

The ProTour teams and its riders may officially stand behind the International Cycling Union in the fight between the Grand Tour organisers and the world governing body of cycling over the ProTour - still, opinions diverged when team managers and pro cyclists were asked to comment on the latest round of the battle. French L'Equipe, in its Friday edition, gathered reactions on the latest turn of events, which saw the UCI threaten action against French spring stage race Paris-Nice, owned by Tour de France-organiser ASO.

The UCI holds fast to its stance that the organisers of UCI events must follow the UCI rules. In refusing to invite the ProTour team Unibet.com to Paris-Nice, the ASO has, in the mind of the UCI, violated the rules. "The UCI will not budge on a matter of rules and the legitimate rights of teams and riders," McQuaid told AFP. "I hope the Paris-Nice will take place in the right conditions, but the organizers are violating international cycling rules. It is ASO and not the UCI who are putting the race at risk."

ASO director Christian Prudhomme followed the party line of the Grand Tour organisers in denouncing the ProTour, saying "The ProTour system is a closed system, an economic system we have denounced since our departure." Earlier this month, in an interview with Cyclingnews ASO president Patrice Clerc also called the ProTour a closed system, and added "Even before the ProTour was officially launched, since 2004, we have always said that we would not adhere to this system."

Prudhomme declared his organisation's intention to run the race regardless of what the UCI says. "I want to reassure the teams. We are always going to organize Paris-Nice. We are organizing Paris Nice with respect for sporting and technical rules as well as French law. Our work, our calling is to organize races for athletes. I find it a paradox that the UCI puts so much energy into preventing us from doing this."

"We're sick of it! Once again, the riders are just the pawns in the game between the UCI, the Grand Tours and the media, like laboratory rats. To threaten to prohibit Paris-Nice, that's just pathetic. It's a mythical event that ASO saved [in 2002, ASO took over the race which was first held in 1933 - ed.]! Without them, where would cycling be today? Let's not forget that they organise the most beautiful race in the world, the Tour de France."

"It's up to the UCI to make their rules followed. The groupes sportifs (teams) don't have to take a stand. One thing is certain: we bought a license which includes a certain number of benefits and we want to the be fulfilled. Would we take the risk to compete in Paris-Nice if it were organised outside of the framework of the UCI? I can't reply to that today. We would have to follow a common attitude between all teams."

"The UCI is taking us as hostages, even if it was them who sold us a label which comprised this or that organiser. But a sponsor like Cofidis invested in cycling to be part of these kind of events! Clearly, I don't see what would prevent us from being at the start (of Paris-Nice), and we will be there. Obviously, the ProTour doesn't work but it's up to the UCI to solve this conflict. You can't ask the teams to choose a side."