UCI Releases Statement Confirming Omega Pharma-QuickStep Discussions

The Int'l Cycling Union (UCI) confirmed that it has been in discussions with Omega Pharma-QuickStep Owner Zdenek Bakala and his business partner Bessel Kok since late '11 about the possible development of the professional road cycling calendar. These discussions have included their potential financial investment in a new joint venture company with the UCI and other cycling stakeholders that would promote and organize elements of this new calendar. The possible development of the professional road cycling calendar will be subject to comments from the wide-ranging consultation, "A bright future for cycling," that will involve all the stakeholders in the sport and which will take place in the first quarter of '13. No agreement has been reached on the reforms that will take place to the calendar and as such any media reports about the future of the calendar are pure speculation at this stage (UCI).