Pound's criticism annoys McQuaid

CYCLING: Frustrated by what he says is constant criticism rather than co-operation from Dick Pound, Pat McQuaid has said cycling's governing body will consider severing relations with the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) if the outspoken chairman does not take a more objective stance in his dealings with the UCI.

"We are very frustrated with the approach Dick Pound takes and are seriously considering that if he continues to attack the UCI in the completely unjustified way he does, then we will completely break off all relationship with Wada," McQuaid told The Irish Times.

"It is something that I don't want to do. But if he continues to attack us in such an unjustified way, that is a decision that we are going to take."

Cycling has been hit by two big doping scandals this year. In May a police swoop led to the beginnings of the Operación Puerto affair, while Floyd Landis' victory in the Tour de France was followed shortly afterwards by news of his positive test for testosterone.

McQuaid readily admits that much work needs to be done to clean up the sport, but says that Pound's outspoken approach is hindering rather than helping that cause. The Wada chairman has had a stormy relationship with the UCI and in a Guardian opinion piece he wrote late last year, he went as far as to suggest that officials were turning a blind eye to doping.

He later backtracked on those claims but in an interview with l'Equipe last month, the Canadian said he was unhappy with the UCI and football's governing body, Fifa. "Our enemies are clearly identified," he said. "The athletes and the federations are on our side and that's essential. If I take out cycling and some elements within (world soccer's ruling body) Fifa, all is well."

In response, McQuaid points out that cycling has a far more extensive testing regime than other sports, and is continuing to introduce new measures. His contention is that while there is a problem in the sport, the UCI is doing what it can to eliminate doping, contrary to what Pound has said.

Weekend fixtures, Sunday: Leinster Cyclo Cross race, Camac Valley Caravan Park/Corkagh Park. (sign-posted off N7). First race starts at noon.