The International Cycling Union (UCI) governing body has initiated a consultation process around the future of professional road cycling.
The UCI is taking this step in an attempt to develop the organizational model of that sport, with increasing its global broadcast coverage and its subsequent media rights revenues amongst the eventual goals.
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The topics up for discussion include the UCI's current economic model, its calendar, fan engagement, safety, and the credibility of sporting results.
Referring specifically to the sport's economic situation, the UCI has said that "although cycling is now hugely popular across five continents, its media coverage and the revenues generated for its stakeholders do not yet fully reflect its potential. There is considerable room for improvement, provided that a concerted, balanced approach is developed that is adapted to future challenges."
The Switzerland-based body's management committee took this decision at a meeting late last month, and a letter has now been sent to the UCI's main stakeholders, requesting contributions to the debate, with a deadline for submissions of April 30.
This list of stakeholders includes the Association Internationale des Organisateurs de Courses Cyclistes (AIOCC), the International Association of Professional Cycling Teams (Association Internationale des Groupes Cyclistes Professionnels – AIGCP), and the Cyclistes Professionnels Associés (CPA).
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By GlobalDataRiders, organizers, and owners of teams competing in UCI competitions, are also invited to get involved in the conversation, as are representatives from national federations.
The UCI has put "developing a stronger, more attractive and sustainable model for men's and women's professional road cycling," as its ultimate aim.
The body has also cited the new events added in recent years, as well as road cycling's overall internationalization and the growth of the women's sport, as key initial steps along this road which have already been taken.
David Lappartient, president of the UCI, stated: "In a context where the role of cycling in society is increasingly recognised, our sport still has considerable potential for development. The consultation launched today aims to bring together stakeholders of road cycling to reflect jointly on its evolution."
