Emakumeen Bira requests date change

The prestigious Emakumeen Bira women's stage race (UCI 2.1) has requested a shift in dates from June 6th thru the 9th to May 23rd thru the 26th so as to not conflict with the US Exergy Tour (2.HC), which is scheduled to run from June 5th thru the 9th. The organizers of the Durango-Durango Emakumeen Saria  (1.2) one-day race are also requesting a date shift to May 21st. Both race organizations are complaining, according to Biciciclismo, that their is "a lack of sensitivity" coming from the UCI given the precious lack of Spanish races on the women's circuit. The Emakumeen Bira celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and its list of winners is like reading through a hall of fame of women racers.

The UCI unveiled a new HC ranking this year for the women's road circuit, which gives precedence to certain stage races on the calendar. According to Biciciclismo, the race organizers of the Bira received a provisional 2013 calendar in May of last year, showing an early June date and no conflicts with major races on the schedule. The organizers were shocked to find out in October that the UCI placed the Exergy Tour during the same dates as their race and with a .HC ranking, giving it higher precedence over the Bira and bringing in all of the top female riders. As to avoid a catastrophic collapse of the race, the organizers have requested the date shift with the UCI though their anger with the governing body is palpable.

Photo: Deia/David de Haro