Mountain biking: NZ champion sees red over jersey ruling

Justin Leov believes he has effectively been penalised for being a national champion.

Leov, a Dunedin mountain biker, will not be defending his downhill title at this weekend's national championships, saying he is being forced out through having to wear the national champion's jersey.

Leov (25) has won the downhill title at the championships twice and was keen to grab a hat trick of titles at the event in Wellington tomorrow.

But the rules for the event set by the International Cycling Union (UCI) insist all defending national champions wear the same jersey, showing they are the national champion.

But Leov, who is part of the Trek World Racing factory team, and races overseas in the northern hemisphere summer, said the jersey meant there was a restricted space for sponsorship.

If he won, he would have to wear the jersey in all races and qualifying throughout the year.

"For me, the sponsors are the reason I am able to race overseas, and if I don't have them, then I won't be able to do what I want to do," Leov said.

"These guys pay for me to go racing, so I have to acknowledge them.

"Last year, the organisers allowed an arm band to show you are the national champion, and wear your own shirt.

"I thought it looked good and worked well.

"But this year, the UCI have completely ruled it out.

"I would like to defend my title but I can't, really.

"Other guys overseas are riding at their national champs, winning the qualifying and getting through to the final and stopping halfway through as a form of a protest.

"But I don't want to do that."

Leov said he was disappointed he could not defend his title but he relied on his sponsors and they had to get exposure.

He had team-mates from Australia and the United Kingdom who were in the same position, and were not likely to line up at their national championships.

"It seems like the UCI has just ignored what everyone is saying and is standing firm."

An online petition had been started to make the UCI change its stance but Leov said he does not hold out much hope for any quick change.

Mountain Biking New Zealand performance manager Chris Mildon said he had been in correspondence with the UCI in Switzerland for a couple of months, but received a reply only late on Wednesday night, saying the national champion jerseys had to be worn, and there would be no exceptions.

Mildon said he had spent a lot of time trying to change the mind of UCI officials but they appeared to be firm in their stance.

He said the arm band had appeared to work well.

He had hoped the UCI would continue with that idea but, after giving dispensation last year, the governing body was not prepared to let it go this year.

The rule also applies to events on the track, road and BMX.

Six other top riders may opt out of the event because of the ruling, Mildon said.

"It is detrimental to the event and not having guys like Justin there really impacts on it."