photo via UCI jersey Facebook page.
This year the UCI is requiring that all national champs wear the same jersey for the duration of the season and that has some top riders worried about their sponsors. In New Zealand top downhill rider Justin Leov decided not to defend his title at the national championships due to the new jersey ruling.
Last year, UCI champs were allowed to wear a simple arm band to designate their status which allowed the riders to give their sponsors the proper exposure. Leov is sponsored by Trek and races in the Northern Hemisphere half the year and, had he won this year’s national championships, would not have been able to wear his Trek jersey in competition.
According to this article, six other riders opted out of the championship race in New Zealand and top riders in the UK and Austria were considering doing the same. While there is no word from Trek or other sponsors about how the new rules would affect their sponsorships, clearly something needs to be done. I do find it hard to believe that Trek can’t find another place to put their logo – helmet, shorts, or (and I know this is crazy) their bike?
It’s a shame to see top riders dropping out of races, reducing the overall level of competition just because of sponsorship issues. Perhaps the sponsors will be willing to cut riders some slack rather than see their athletes give up UCI titles. Check out this online petition to register your vote.
