Cycling's governing body the UCI has warned teams it will not recognise this year's Paris-Nice race in a move which could threaten the Tour de France.
The disagreement is the latest chapter in a long-running row between the UCI and major race organisers.

UCI chief Pat McQuaid is angry with the organisers' decision to manage the race only under French law rather than under the governing body's jurisdiction.

"This measure will have far-reaching consequences," said McQuaid.

McQuaid sent a letter on Monday to all teams to explain the dispute with Paris-Nice organisers Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO), which also organises the Tour de France.

Paris-Nice is the European calendar's first major race of the season but the rift is a genuine threat to the Tour, cycling's most famous and prestigious race.

ASO wants to run the race under the auspices of the French Cycling Federation (FFC) and the French government.