Several weeks after stating that it would try to support the endangered Vuelta al Pais Vasco and Clásica San Sebastián WorldTour races, the UCI has now indicated it will work to resolve the likely cancellation of the women’s World Cup race in Spain, the GP Ciudad de Valladolid.
Last week the Spanish cycling federation RFEC revealed that the race would not take place.
“The RFEC has received notice of the suspension of the Gran Premio Ciudad de Valladolid, fifth [sixth, actually - ed] round of the UCI World Cup women's race, scheduled for June 3,” it said in a statement.
It was presumed that financial problems were the reason for the news. Spain has been particularly hard hit by the global financial crisis, with unemployment levels soaring and companies under increasing pressure.
Today, the UCI has commented on the matter, saying that it was ‘concerned’ by the news. Its president Pat McQuaid has said that it will study the situation and try to help.
“The UCI is particularly sensitive to the development of women’s cycling, and it is of great concern to learn that the Spanish round of the World Cup has been suspended,” he said. “We would dearly like to help find a solution to this problem for the future and we are in contact with the organisers to study what measures can be taken.”
If the race does not take place, it would reduce the list of women’s World Cup events to eight. This would represent the lowest number since 2000, the third year of the series.
It would pose additional problems as the absence of the June 3rd fixture would mean a considerable gap between events five and seven, namely the Tour of Chongming Island, on May 13th, and the Open de Suède Vargarda team time trial, on August 17th.
The UCI’s indication that it will try to safeguard the running of the third edition of the race is therefore a positive development.
Previous winners of the race are Charlotte Becker (Cervélo TestTeam) in 2010 and Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) last year.