Chinese cycling team demands explanation on rules

LONDON - The Chinese team on Saturday demanded an explanation from the world cycling ruling body UCI on the relegation of the Chinese to silver medal.

The Chinese beat their German rivals in the women's team pursuit final on Thursday, only to be relegated to second place.

The Chinese team reviewed the race video, saying they didn't violate any rules of the sport. China's coach Daniel Morelon said the referees "robbed" his students of a gold medal.

The Chinese team's appeal was rejected and fined 200 CHF for the intrusion into the referees' area.

Pan Zhichen, the Chinese cycling team chief, filed a written complaint to UCI President Pa Maquade on Saturday, demanding an explanation on "why the Chinese cyclists were relegated to silver medal."

Pan said his team would not pay the fine, saying Chinese team members were escorted into the referees' area by UCI officials.