FRANCE has cancelled plans to hold an international race in Hainan next year because of allegations of irregular practices by Chinese Bicycle Association officials, according to one of the key organisers.
Officials from the Tour de France and the French Sports Ministry were to sign a contract last month with the CBA as part of a programme to increase Sino-French relations.
But they were advised to halt all talks by Anthony Wan Poo-kwong, a Mauritian of Chinese origin who has been acting as a go-between for the two parties.
Wan has accused the CBA of misrepresenting themselves as 'organisers' of the event without the knowledge or approval of Hainan government authorities.
He has written to Chen Yuming, director of foreign affairs for the Sanya City government in Hainan Province, saying CBA officials make out as if they had more power than the provincial government.
He also said the CBA made cash demands that were unacceptable.
