Statement  from the riders of the Rabobank ProTeam

Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands, June 28th, 2007

Riders Rabobank ProTeam question actions UCI

We, the riders of the Rabobank ProTeam, unanimously question the actions of the International Cycling Union UCI with the unveiling of the statement ‘Riders’ commitment to a new cycling’. We want to express the feeling of a lack of respect for the rights of the individual cyclist.

We acknowledge the problem of doping in cycling and support UCI in its’ fight against it. However, we feel the UCI shows no interest in the free choice of the individual cyclist. A rider who chooses not to sign the statement will be confronted with a disrespectful treatment.

We are annoyed as well by the lack of communication over the statement. Previously when the UCI needed the support of the riders in its’ conflict with the three Grand Tours, it made personal contact with us. With the unveiling of the ‘Riders’ commitment to a new cycling’ statement, UCI failed to inform the riders on beforehand. We experience this as a sign of disrespect as well.

Finally, we, the riders of the Rabobank ProTeam, want to express our disapproval over what seems to be the launch of a public tribunal by UCI. It witnesses an undemocratic approach, that UCI makes public which riders have signed the statement on its’ website.

The management of the Rabobank Cycling Team fully supports the point of view of its riders. The Board of Directors can imagine the concern of the riders as well, and has understanding for their point of view.

--End of statement--

All riders of the Rabo ProTeam will sign the statement ‘Riders’ commitment to a new cycling’. At the moment, the team is collecting all documents.

Only when all signed statements have been collected, the team will present them to the UCI.