Responding to an Italian media report stating that it was requiring riders to sign a document giving up image rights and other elements, the Velon group has said that such claims are false.

This week Italian website Tuttobiciweb wrote that an ad hoc document called the ‘Velon addendum’ had been drawn up and that riders from around the world would be asked to sign it.

“This appendix would heavily influence on the contracts of riders, that in signing it (some have already done, and only later became aware of what they have signed) they would release to the team in one fell swoop their image rights, intellectual property rights and also the declaration of personal data and even more,” it said.

“In short, an appendix which would clash violently with the ‘Joint Agreement’ recognized by the UCI.”

It added that it considered this to be, ‘a document that could greatly weaken riders’ bargaining power, who in this way would be divested also of their soul with one simple signature.’

Contacted by CyclingTips, a Velon group spokesman was clear that he considered the story to be wide off the mark.

“From Velon’s position we’re not involved in any rider contracts and, as such, are simply not placed to be discussing matters that are between the teams and the riders themselves,” he said.

“We’re also not involved in any rider agreement, whether it’s the terms discussed by the CPA and AIGCP under the Joint Agreement or between the teams and the riders.

“The idea that there is a “Velon Addendum” is not correct. Velon doesn’t make any proposals to riders on their contracts or act directly with them and certainly does not insist they sign anything.”

Velon is a group comprising 11 of the 18 WorldTour teams. It was set up in November of last year and has the general aim of trying to create a better and more sustainable economic future for the sport.

It currently comprises the BMC Racing Team, Etixx – Quick-Step, Lampre – Merida, Lotto Soudal, Orica GreenEdge, Cannondale – Garmin, Team Giant – Alpecin, Team Lotto NL – Jumbo, Team Sky, Tinkoff – Saxo and Trek Factory Racing.

At least two others are understood to have informal agreements with the group, but have not yet become official members.