The International Cycling Union and the representatives of riders vowed to intensify their dialogue to try to resolve the row over this month's Paris-Nice race.

The promise seemed to mark a warming-up of relations between the Association of Cycling Professionals (CPA) and the sport's governing body, which had threatened to sanction riders who took part in the stage race that was held outside its jurisdiction.

Two weeks ago, UCI president Pat McQuaid said teams that took part in the race, organised by Tour de France promoters Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), could face exclusion from UCI events.

At a meeting in Geneva, no decision was reached over whether riders would face sanctions, with a joint statement from the UCI and CPA saying that it would be up to the UCI's disciplinary commission to decide whether there would be any.

Both sides agreed the UCI's authority needed to be protected.

"The CPA and the UCI decided to intensify their dialogue to safeguard the federative framework which is currently in real danger despite the fact it is essential to take everybody's interests - and in particular the riders' - into account," the statement said.

The CPA expressed concern that riders were the ones paying the price for the quarrel between the organisers and the sport's authorities.

"The people representing the UCI said they understood the arguments of the CPA and reminded the various phases which led to the current situation."

A long feud between the ASO and the UCI reached an all-time low when the French organisers said they would not accept the Astana team of Paris-Nice and Tour champion Alberto Contador, because of its past doping record.

The UCI replied by refusing to endorse ASO's races and threatening sanctions.

Since Paris-Nice, ASO has ruled Astana out of all its races, including the Tour de France.

It was not announced when or if the UCI's disciplinary commission would meet to rule on sanctions.

Reuters