Last Monday (13), through social media, cyclists demonstrated against the possibility of implementing a new rule from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that would prevent athletes from choosing their own cyclocross races and, thus, would be required to be present in all matches that are part of the category’s World Cup.
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The measure mentioned by David Lappartient, president of the UCI, would be related to all phases that are part of the World Cup circuit, with matches that are located in Belgium, Dublin, Italy, and that prevail from the month of October until February of 2024.
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In addition to the 14 World Cup stages, cyclocross matches also include the Superprestige competitions with 8 stages, the X20 Badkamers Trofee with 8 races and Exact Cross with 7 matches. Considerable high number to maintain in front of a small period.
“I think drivers should have the right to make their own choices. Especially when it comes to young drivers, because my own son is also mentioned here. There are many other riders who make choices and occasionally skip a World Cup. I think this should be possible, but it is a discussion that we have to have at a certain time to optimize the sport”, said Sven Nys, father of cyclist Thibau Nys.
Bart Wellens, manager of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, also commented on the decision: “We have been saying this for a long time. The structure of the World Cup is not well set up. She’s very busy right now. We knew this from day one. The World Cup should continue to be something special, but they messed it up themselves due to oversupply.”