"No eco-ayatollah": Marc Madiot criticises artificial mountains for the 2028 World Cup

Marc Madiot criticises World Cup plans

In the French TV programme "Les Grandes Geules du Sport", cycling manager Marc Madiot warned that financial interests are threatening the sport of cycling. The team boss of Groupama - FDJreacted indignantly to the reports of artificial mountains in the United Arab Emirates. "It's dramatic for our sport," he explained on "RMC Sport" and warned of a dangerous precedent for international cycling. The Emirates are systematically changing their topography for the 2028 Road Cycling World Championships in Abu Dhabi. Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step had reported on the continuous construction work and observed growing elevations at the UAE Tour every year. This development alarms sprinters who have been waiting for a rainbow jersey winner since Peter Sagan's third world title in 2017.

Systematic landscape remodelling documented

According to reports in the Spanish daily newspaper "Marca", construction work is already underway to create hills for the World Cycling Championships. According to the information, the Al Wathba climb will grow from 1.4 km with a 6 per cent gradient in 2023 to a planned 2 km in 2026. By the 2028 World Championships, it is expected to reach 3.8 km with an average gradient of 6.5 per cent, thus requiring puncheur qualities.

Several artificial elevations have already been created on the island of Hudayriyat, the likely venue for the World Championships. Some of them reach 10 per cent gradients and could have a decisive effect on the race. The changes favour climbers and classic riders over pure sprinters, which fundamentally shifts the distribution of chances.

Marc Madiot demands UCI control

The world governing body must regain its authority. Madiot appealed directly to the UCI and its president to take control of such manipulations. "The UCI awards the world championships according to a set of specifications. I can't imagine that they would accept artificial mountains to make the race tougher or to favour one rider," emphasised the experienced team manager. The original plans for the World Championships envisaged a more sprint-friendly route after the UCI rejected a finish on the traditional Jebel Hafeet (10.9 km at 6.7 per cent).

Marc Madiot suspects Pogacar favouritism

UAE Team Emirates benefits from home advantage. Tadej Pogacar, two-time reigning world champion and figurehead of the Emirati WorldTour team, would benefit considerably from the mountainous parcours. His climbing qualities predestine him for such course profiles, while pure sprinters are systematically disadvantaged.

The development raises fundamental questions about sports ethics. Madiot warned of the impact on other sports and called for compliance with basic rules. "I am not an eco-ayatollah, but there are basic principles and elementary rules that must be respected," he emphasised his position on the French channel RMC in the programme Les Grandes Geules du Sport for sustainable sports development.