Top teams split from UCI's ProTour series

By Julien Pretot

PAU, France (Reuters) - Cycling split between its governing body and private organisers on Tuesday after the ProTour teams said they were leaving the UCI's elite series.

"It has been decided unanimously not to renew the ProTour licences for the 2009 season," the 17 ProTour teams on the Tour de France said in a joint statement.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has been at odds with the three big Tour organisers -- the Tour de France, Vuelta and Giro -- since they refused to be part of the ProTour series, which guarantees top teams a place in the prestigious races.

The Astana team, who were not invited to take part in the Tour because of their past doping record, are also set to join the move away from the elite series.

"If everybody decides so, I can't imagine Astana will not follow," said the team's chief press officer Philippe Maertens.

Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere added: "I'm very happy. I hope the UCI will talk to the teams and organisers".

Bouygues Telecom manager Jean-Rene Berneaudea said: "The problem is that we were sold a product (the ProTour) which is not the one we got.

"That's the origin of the conflict. What matters today for my sponsors is a participation in the three big Tours."