UCI threatens to strip licences for those involved in OneCycling
The UCI president has commented further on the controversial OneCycling project in a letter obtained by Cyclingnews.
David Lappartient, president of the UCI, the Union Cycliste Internationale, has threatened to withdraw licenses from WorldTour teams and remove events from the WorldTour calendar if stakeholders continue to pursue negotiations with the controversial OneCycling project.
The warning comes as the OneCycling initiative attempts to reorganise and monetise professional cycling through new structures and events backed by major investment from the Saudi Arabian SURJ Sports Investment fund, controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
In a strong-worded letter obtained by Cyclingnews, Lappartient reinforced the UCI's stance against the Saudi-backed initiative, which it had already rejected in June as "incompatible" with existing regulations.
Lappartient suggested the initiative "such a pattern, with certain stakeholders collectively compelling others to agree to their terms, gives rise to serious sporting, and potentially competition, concerns and creates a potential conflict of interest.”
What is OneCycling?
The OneCycling project, reportedly supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) with backing worth up to €300 million through SURJ Sports Investment Fund, is a proposed initiative that aims to transform professional cycling's economic model and create a more sustainable financial structure in the sport through hosting new WorldTour races and establishing a new race series.
The UCI president further warned that the project could enable participating teams and organisers to impose their terms on others outside the initiative, which could create conditions for competitive issues within the sport.
Lappartient also outlined the potential consequences for those who wish to continue in the pursuit of the OneCycling project: "With regards to teams, the UCI License Commission may order the withdrawal of UCI WorldTeams and UCI Women's WorldTeams' licenses."
OneCycling had planned to use substantial Saudi investment to attract major teams in both men's and women's cycling, along with prominent race organisers, but the initiative still faces an uncertain future.
Throughout the dispute, the UCI has maintained that it remains committed to reforming the sport while retaining authority over all cycling regulations, and has expressed willingness to collaborate with stakeholders on future developments.
