Cycling team Etixx-QuickStep Manager Patrick Lefevere said that race organizers’ decision to limit team sizes in most major events for '17 and beyond "will put 100 professional cyclists out of work," according to Gregor Brown of CYCLING WEEKLY. Amaury Sport Organisation, RCS Sport and Flanders Classics -- organizers of most major races on the calendar -- decided on Friday to "cut team sizes in their races by one." Lefevere said, "I am categorically against it. No one was consulted, teams or the riders’ union. Then why should we continue to have 30 riders per team in 2018? You can continue with five riders less per team. You’ll have 100 cyclists out on the street at the end of 2017, plus 25 caregivers because they will not be needed anymore." The organizers said that they "want to make the races safer by limiting the peloton size." Lefevere: "They should start by looking up safer streets instead of using old cart roads." BMC Racing Manager Jim Ochowicz and Cannondale Manager Jonathan Vaughters also criticized the organizers’ plans for '17 and beyond (CYCLING WEEKLY, 11/28).
NOT SO FAST: CYCLING NEWS reported the Int'l Cycling Union (UCI) issued a statement in response, informing Tour de France organizers ASO, RCS Sport and Flanders Classics that "they cannot decide to change the sport's rules." The UCI statement said, "The UCI wishes to clarify the current position regarding team sizes. Whilst a potential reduction in team sizes may reflect a view held by some stakeholders, including some race organisers, any changes to the regulations governing men's professional road cycling must be agreed by the Professional Cycling Council, on which the race organisers are fully represented" (CYCLING NEWS, 11/27).
