This petition was authored by Elena Titova.

This is a petition on behalf of the Masters Track Cycling riders from around the World. It aims to implement the principles proclaimed by the vision of UCI: 'Unite people thanks to cycling and make it the inclusive and universal activity for tomorrow'.

Subject:

Request to re-introduce the regulations which allow mixed National teams in team events (Team Sprint and Team Pursuit) for men and women at Masters Track Championships. 

Background:

Over the last few years the organizers of the World Track Masters Championships have prohibited mixed nations teams in Team Sprint (TS) and Team Pursuit (TP) events for both male and female athletes citing a desire to adhere to the UCI regulations (which evidently have been developed for Elite competitions). Previously, mixed national teams for Masters athletes have been allowed by the organizers. 

Given the specifics of the Masters Track Cycling, the prohibition has substantially reduced the number of athletes who have an opportunity to participate in TS and TP races. There are simply not enough athletes from most countries in each respective age group to form 3-4 athlete teams. This not only limits the competition at the World Masters races, but sidelines a substantial number of riders and leaves them with a very limited ability to compete at the event (for example, sprinters can only take part in the Sprint and TT races). Usually, there are only 2-3 nations that are represented by enough athletes to make National teams, and those also have limited competition as a result of a small number of teams overall. 

For female athletes it has become a problem also because of the rule that introduced 3 rides for TS. Generally, there are fewer female riders in each age category than there are male riders. It was hard enough to find 2 riders for most countries to form a team. Going from 2 to 3 riders made it more difficult to form a team in most age categories, and the prohibition to race in mixed national teams further curtails the ability of female riders to compete.

Arguments:

1. Masters cycling as opposed to the Elite sport is not supported by National Governments, and is self-financed by athletes. Participation in World Track Masters Championships, including organization of such events is also financed by individual athletes.
2. For most cycling events, there are very few Masters competitions. Many athletes train hard just to come together with fellow Masters riders from all over the world once a year. 
3. World Track Masters Championships are viewed as the event which should promote open and fair competition, team spirit, international friendship and camaraderie, and inclusivity to make cycling more attractive to more people of all ages around the world as proclaimed by principles of UCI. In reality, due to this prohibition, most riders are not allowed to participate in races where they can and want to compete. 
4. Elimination of the prohibition should also benefit organizers as it promotes wider participation. 

Proposed Action:

We propose and request to lift the prohibition of mixed National Teams in TS and TP at World Masters Track Championship for riders from the countries who otherwise cannot form National teams ('orphans') due to the lack of relevant athletes (sprinters for TS or tempo riders for TP) from their respective countries.