Cycling: Wellington ditched as World Cup venue

BikeNZ received the news it did not want to hear today when Wellington was officially dropped as a round of the World Cup women's cycling circuit.

Wellington's status was questioned last week when it was missing from a list of venues for 2007 posted on a respected cycling website.

BikeNZ took the matter up with UCI (Union Cycliste International) and today was told Wellington had been ditched as a round of the series.

Wellington promoter Jorge Sandoval organised rounds of the circuit in 2005 and 2006 and was hopeful the status quo would remain for 2007 and beyond.

BikeNZ events manager Ted Jones said the UCI's road commission, which decides what venues host a round each year, confirmed Wellington was not on the list for next year.

Jones said the UCI said that huge demand in cities wishing to host a round meant the road commission had to be more selective in choosing its venues.

Jones said it was "disappointing that Wellington has not been awarded a round in 2007".

"We had some exciting initiatives planned to increase participation and spectator fun next year but that will now have to go on hold.

"Hosting World Cup rounds is a privilege not a right and it shows that nothing can be taken for granted.

"We have been fortunate to host the world's best female road cyclists over the last two years but will now have to wait at least until 2008 to welcome them back to Wellington."

He said there were 12 rounds to the World Cup circuit in 2006 and so far eight venues had been announced for 2007, with another two likely to be added in September.

- NZPA