CPA consider legal action if 2007 Tour de France prizes remain unpaid

Amid threats of legal action, the Association of Professional Cyclists (CPA) asked again for an explanation from the French Cycling Federation (FFC) as to why its riders had not been fully paid their prize money from the 2007 Tour de France.

In accordance with UCI regulation C, Article 1.2.072, the riders had expected to be paid within 90 days of the end of the race or by October 27, 2007. (UCI Regulation C, Article 1.2.072). However, the CPA said in a press release Wednesday that so far only prizes related to the general classification had been paid thus far, and only to foreign racers.

"The CPA sent one more mail to Mr. Jean Pitallier [president of the French Cycling Federation - ed.], after the one it already sent last February 24, asking him to explain..." said the press release. The CPA also called for the FFC to explain what it would do with the interest it has been earning on the money since October 27, 2007 and noted that it had already profitted from interest earned between June 2007, when race organiser ASO paid it the prize money, through October 26.

The CPA indicated it may take legal action in an effort to get the prize money paid if no reply is received within eight days. Previously, Cyclingnews reported that the delay was allegedly pending resolution of the sentences for riders like [Alexander] Vinokourov, [Cristian] Moreni, [Iban] Mayo, [Patrik] Sinkewitz and [Michael] Rasmussen – the first three who tested positive during the 2007 Tour de France and Rasmussen, who was forced to abandon by his team following questionable whereabouts in the race's lead-up.

The FFC is currently in financial distress, as it lost a lawsuit over 1 million euro in damages to be paid to Patrice Sulpice, who crashed while training in preparation for the Worlds in Colombia in 1995 and now sits in a wheelchair.