Cycling News This Week: UCI Bans, Subscription Woes, and a Tour de Force!
This week has been a mixed bag for cycling enthusiasts. From regulatory changes to subscription squabbles and inspiring challenges, here’s a digest of the news that matters.
UCI Cracks Down on Carbon Monoxide Doping
In a move to protect rider health, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has officially banned the repeated inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO). While CO is sometimes used in sports medicine to measure haemoglobin mass and blood volume, its misuse can lead to serious health problems. The new regulations, which come into force on 10 February 2025, still permit a single CO inhalation for legitimate testing purposes, or a second one after a two-week interval. It seems some riders have been pushing the boundaries in search of performance gains, but the UCI is putting its foot down.Subscription Costs Cause Uproar
British cycling fans are up in arms over Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to close Eurosport and shift coverage to TNT Sports, accompanied by a hefty price hike. The move has been met with widespread criticism, with many feeling exploited by the sudden increase in subscription costs.
- Half-Price Offer: In an attempt to appease disgruntled fans, Warner Bros. Discovery is offering a seven-month deal at £15.49 a month to those who cancelled their Eurosport subscriptions. However, the price then jumps to £30.99 a month, leaving many feeling short-changed.
- Fan Fury: Many fans are unimpressed with the offer, with some threatening to report Warner Bros. Discovery to the UK market regulator for "abuse of monopoly" and "price gouging". The sentiment is clear: cycling fans are not happy about having to pay significantly more to watch the sport they love.
- VPN solution: Some fans are considering using a VPN to subscribe via another country.
Courier Firm Zedify in Administration
In less positive news, Zedify, Britain’s largest cycle courier firm, has entered administration, leading to the loss of over 100 jobs. The company, which operated a zero-emission, last-mile delivery model using cargo bikes, was considered a pioneer in the logistics market. Administrators are now seeking buyers for the business and its assets.
Bretagne Ladies Tour Cancellation
The Bretagne Ladies Tour has been cancelled because of a budget shortfall. Race organiser Loïc Déniel said that they were short 37,000 euros. The organisers are already working on the 2026 edition.
BEAT Cycling Team Take the Train
On a more positive note, BEAT Cycling, a Dutch UCI Continental squad, travelled by train to their recent training camp in Girona, Spain. Twan van Schie, the team’s sustainability manager, is calling on other squads to do more to cut carbon emissions. Van Schie said that more sustainable ways of travel do exist and are easily accessible.
Inspirational Feat: Amy Hudson to Ride the Entire Tour de France Route
Amy Hudson, known as ‘Amy Cycling Adventures’ on Instagram, is planning an epic adventure: riding the entire 6,300km route of the 2025 Tour de France, including all the transfers between stages. The 28-year-old will start in Lille on 27 June, a week before the men’s race, and aims to reach Paris on 26 July. She will average 225km a day, with only two rest days. Inspired by Lachlan Morton’s ‘Alt-Tour’ in 2021, Hudson is determined to complete this challenge to show that "no matter how hard life gets, don’t give up". She will be accompanied by her husband in a van, and is preparing for the nutrition and the heat.