Competition law proceedings concerning the management and distribution of prize money in professional cycling.
Overview
Benoît Keane advised the Union Cycliste Internationale in Dutch court proceedings concerning competition law challenges to its prize management platform.
The matter required an assessment of the relevant competition law framework and the market in which the platform operated.
Benoît’s Role
- Coordination with Dutch counsel
- Definition of the relevant market
- Development of competition law arguments
- Advice on the competition law framework
- Participation in appellate hearings
The Challenge
The proceedings raised questions concerning the application of competition law to the organisation and management of prize money within professional cycling.
A central element of the matter was the analysis of the relevant market and the competition law arguments advanced against the platform.
The Approach
Benoît advised the UCI on the competition law issues arising from the proceedings.
He coordinated with Dutch counsel, contributed to the definition of the relevant market and developed the competition law arguments in the case.
He also participated in appellate proceedings.
Why It Matters
Competition law increasingly shapes how international sports governing bodies design and operate commercial and regulatory systems.
This matter demonstrates the importance of specialist competition law advice when sporting organisations introduce new commercial frameworks or defend existing regulatory structures. It also highlights the need for a detailed understanding of market definition and the interaction between sport and European competition law.
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