UCI may shun Paris-Nice

In the ongoing fued between the UCI and ASO (race organizers of the Tour de France), UCI president Pat McQuaid has stated that the UCI may withdraw support for the storied Paris-Nice race, also run by ASO. This fued stems from ASO's refusal to invite defending Tour de France winner, Alberto Contrador and his Astana team.

For those of you who don't know, the Astana team has suffered many dopping allegations of it's riders for both the 2006 and 2007 race season. Although I do not aupport performance enhancing drugs in cycling, Astana is the same team in name only. At the end of 2007, Astana replaced team management and all riders suspected of dopping. It has instituted extremely tight doppiing controls and as such, is probably one of the cleanest teams in Europe.

So why is ASO banning them from their races? It is my opinion that ASO is tired of the domination of teams run by Johan Bruyneel, winners of the last 8 Tour de Frances. Could it be because there hasn't been a French winner since 1985? Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps French racers are not good enough to compete as they once could. This is no reason to ban a past Tour de France champion. If this ban stands, the Tour will forever be sullied in the eyes of the world. Come on France. Wake up!