In an interview with Dutch newspaper, Algemeen Dagblad, Niki Terpstra has spoken of his frustrations with certain aspects of the way cycling is run.
He was asked as to whether he thought Astana shoud have been awarded a World Tour licence and said: “I do not agree, but I don’t want to worry about it. It only costs energy and who will listen to me? It’s impossible. The UCI makes so many mistakes. All of it is a drama.”
He goes on with other examples, “Regarding prize money, you will be lucky if it’s in your bank account a year later.”
The Dutchman outlines some changes he would like to see to the sport. “I think they should make the Giro and the Vuelta a week shorter. Why should every day be a 200km ride? These shorter stages are often much more interesting.”
Also, smaller teams are something he feels should be considered and gives the Tour of Britain as an example of a race where smaller teams made for better racing. “That was a really different race. It was interesting to see.”
Terpstra enjoyed his best season so far in 2014, with victories in Paris-Roubaix, Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Qater, and is hoping for more of the same in 2015.
