UCI president hits out at decision

UCI president Pat McQuaid has condemned the decision to bar Alberto Contador's Astana team from the Tour de France saying that he will do everything within his power to ensure the Spaniard can defend his crown.

"It would be a tragedy if Contador is not allowed to defend his title," the head of world cycling's governing body told Spanish daily El Pais . "It is a complete disgrace.

"We will do all we can to ensure Contador rides in the Tour," he added.

Tour de France organisers announced last week that Astana would be barred from the 2008 race, arguing the team could not be trusted following the doping scandals that have affected the outfit in recent seasons.

McQuaid said Astana were being used by Tour organisers as a weapon in their power struggle with the UCI. "In my opinion they have chosen Astana because of the relations between (Tour organisers) ASO and the UCI and because they don't want to respect our rules," McQuaid said.

The UCI wants the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the Tour of Spain to be part of their ProTour series of races. But the organisers of the big three multi-stage events are adamant they must retain control over who can participate in their races.