News for November 27, 1999

UCI and the superleague

On Thursday and Friday (25th and 26th November), the UCI discussed in detail their proposal for a superleague of cycling, in conjunction with representatives from the organisers (Jean-Marie Leblanc), the team directors (Manolo Saiz) and the riders (Francesco Moser).

The proposals discussed and unanimously agreed upon, will be submitted to the management committee of the UCI, which will meet on January 28th in the Netherlands at the time of the World Cyclocross Championships. The league, conceived by President Hein Verbruggen will be called the "Council of Professional Cycling" (CPC). The structure of this has already been outlined - 12 members, half of which come from the three groups mentioned above, the other half from the UCI, with a 13th "vice-president" without voting rights.

At the latest meeting, the following proposals were discussed in more detail:

The CPC would aim to cover the technical and administrative organization of the elite division I and II cyclists, including looking after race regulations and payments, the resolution of rider disputes, and the development of the international calendar.

In addition, the CPC would look at ways of reducing rider workload during the year as well as the automatic entry of the top 18 division I teams into the "grand tours" of France, Italy and Spain.

Lotto gets new manager

Christophe Sercu has become the new manager of the Lotto-team, announced by the team's sponsor, Belgian National Lottery today. Sercu will take over Jean-Luc Vandenbroucke's job looking after financial and administration affairs.

Commesso awarded

Saeco cyclist, Salvatore Commesso has been awarded the Fabio Casartelli Memorial trophy for 1999. The award is named in honour of the former Italian cyclist who tragically died on the slopes of the Portet d'Aspet in 1995. Commesso was Italy's national champion this year and also won a stage in the Tour de France.

Secchiara injured in accident

Unfortunately for Saeco, the news wasn't all good as one of their cyclists, Francisco Secchiari was injured in a collision with a car while out training yesterday. He was riding with Fabrizio Guidi on the outskirts of Pontedara, when he was struck from the side by a car, immediately losing consciousness. He was taken to hospital for examination but was cleared of any injury to his head.