Even though organized by a former professional cyclist George Hincapie Gran Fondo is a charity event, the USA Cycling confirmed that participation of banned athletes is prohibited by the UCI Anti-Doping rules. Thus, Lance Armstrong will be forced to change his plans for a weekend, but other American riders will take a start of the race.

The World Anti-Doping Code and the UCI Anti-Doping rules state, that banned athletes are not allowed to "participate in any capacity in an Event or activity (other than authorized anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs) authorized, recognized or organized by UCI, a Continental Confederation, a National Federation, or any other Signatory."

The USA Cycling decided to consult on that issue with the UCI, after Armstrong’s participation in the Grand Fondo Hincapie had been questioned by VeloNews.

"USA Cycling has been asked by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to look into the Hincapie Gran Fondo in the face of questions concerning rider eligibility. USA Cycling has informed USADA that the Hincapie Gran Fondo constitutes a cycling "activity" that is "authorized" by USA Cycling as those terms are used in the World Anti-Doping Code and in the Anti-Doping provisions of the UCI (International Cycling Union) Cycling Regulation," USA Cycling said in a statement sent to Cyclingnews.

"Under these provisions, an athlete's suspension bars participation in an authorized activity such as this. The UCI has confirmed USA Cycling's interpretation."

"The World Anti-Doping Code vests jurisdiction in UCI and in USADA to determine whether an athlete has violated the terms of any suspension, as well as to assess any sanctions that might accompany an adverse determination" USA Cycling said.

Even though banned for life American will not take a start of the race, many of countrymen in likes of Tejay van Garderen, Brent Bookwalter, and Larry Warbasse of the BMC team, plus Alex Howes (Garmin-Sharp) and Matthew Busche (Trek Factory Racing) decided to participate in the charity event.