Montreal-Boston granted UCI 2.1 status

The 2007 Montreal-Boston Cycling Tour has been granted a 2.1 license by the International Cycling Union - allowing organisers the opportunity to invite ProTour and national level outfits to contest the inaugural event. "We are really thrilled," explained event CEO Daniel Manibal. "After three years of hard work, the UCI not only grants us a unique race but bonifies [sic] it by according us the 2.1 license."

The announcement is a significant boost for the event and the sport in North America. "I think that this new international event could become one of the best cycling events in the world," explained UCI CEO Pat McQuaid at the announcement made last Friday at the UCI World Championships in Austria.

Further information on the event, which will run from August 4-11, 2007, is expected to be announced at the end of October.