Society

The Tour of Beijing will mark China's first top-level stage race and a step forward for cycling's governing body when it starts on Wednesday (October 5). Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) president Pat McQuaid sees the event as part of the globalisation of professional cycling, and defended the UCI's close relationship with the race's organiser.

"It's not an awkward position," said McQuaid in a press conference. "It is the UCI's role to promote and develop the sport."

It is the first time that UCI has organised a stage race, which it is doing via Global Cycling Promotion (GCP). GCP is legally separate from the UCI, but ties are close thanks to Alain Rumpf. Rumpf formerly managed the UCI's ProTour and keeps his office at UCI's Aigle headquarters. He sat beside McQuaid in the conference today.