This is a spectacular downgrade. The famous Cycling Tour of Faso, the 35th edition of which is currently being contested, is withdrawn from the calendar of the International Cycling Union. The sanction was taken due to the participation in the race of a Russian team invited by the organizers.
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The regulations of the International Cycling Union (UCI) are clear: no Russian or Belarusian team at the start of a UCI race. A measure in force since the start of the invasion of Ukraine, more than two and a half years ago. Difficult to ignore and yet: CSKA Moscow, a club historically linked to the army, is invited by the organizers of the 35th Tour of Faso.
The UCI is informed before the start of the race and then requests the immediate withdrawal of this team. An official letter is sent. It will remain a dead letter and on Friday October 25 at the start of the 1st stage, the flocked Russian Army jerseys (Russian Army, in French) are very present at the heart of the peloton. The same evening, the International Cycling Union announced its decision to withdraw the event from its program.
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Other disciplinary measures could follow and even if the 2nd stage was played normally on Saturday October 26. This banning from the official calendar could have serious consequences for Burkinabe cycling and its flagship race and reference in Africa.
The Tour du Faso has suffered in recent years from the security situation in the country, the 2022 edition even had to be canceled. The event has since survived on its reputation and the maintenance of the UCI label, which is essential to the attractiveness of the Tour. Its future is now dotted.
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