Three-day session in Aigle to discuss doping, women’s cycling and the integration of para-athletes
The International Cycling Union (UCI) Athletes Commission held a three-day session of meetings at the governing body’s headquarters in Aigle, Switzerland, to draw up proposals to improve the lives of riders and enhance the sport. The commission, which was established in 2011, includes representatives from all disciplines of cycling – including para-cycling – with both male and female athletes.
“The exchanges of the UCI Athletes’ Commission have been very fruitful,” said UCI president Pat McQuaid, “and I am delighted that representatives of all disciplines are meeting together in the second year of the Commission and working with the UCI on positive ways forward for our sport.
“We will now study the Commission’s recommendations and present them to all our stakeholders.”
Among the issues discussed was the problem of doping, with the commission proposing the stiffening of sanctions against those found guilty; it also supported the UCI regulation introduced on July 1st, 2011, which would prohibit those convicted of doping in their careers from taking up team management positions on their retirement.
The need to educate young athletes and team helpers was emphasised, as was the proposal that the UCI suggest that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) simplifies access and use of its ADAMS whereabouts system.
The commission also proposed the sanctioning of the teams and entourage of any riders convicted of doping, and not just the riders themselves. In order to help fight against the temptation to dope, the commission proposed a raising of the minimum wage [which is specified for WorldTour and Professional Continental teams, but not for Women’s – ed] in order to provide riders with a reasonable standard of living.
The subject of women’s cycling was discussed at length by the commission, with the proposal that prize lists in women’s events be made equivalent to those of mens, as will shortly be the case at the World championships. The members of the commission would like to see UCI WorldTour teams encouraged to invest in women’s squads, as well as the organisers of men’s events to also offer races for women; in this way, the women’s calendar would become more global.
The commission also declared its support for the integration of disabled athletes into non-para-cycling competitions, while also developing the sport to allow para-cyclists to accomplished careers.
It was also suggested that athletes be invited to submit their own recommendations to the commission by emailing athletes.commission@uci.ch.
The recommendations of the Athletes’ Commission will be directed to all the stakeholders in cycling, including the UCI, National Federations, anti-doping organisations, event organisers, and professional teams.