Michel Thétaz, CEO of IAM, has reacted to ASO's decision to remove their races which include the Tour de France, from the 2017 UCI WorldTour:

“IAM Cycling does not want to engage in the dispute between the largest organizer of professional races, the international cycling federation, and the various stakeholders with respect to the reforms announced for 2017," he says. "For my part, I know very well that in the world of business, and in commerce in general, reforms are painful.  It is important always to be mindful.  Bringing out the hatchet does not solve anything.  I therefore encourage our international cycling federation and our French friends to gather around the peace pipe.  Primarily it seems to me to be essential to invite everyone who will be affected by the reforms (teams, riders, sponsors, etc.), to the negotiating table, and not only the two adversaries. 

"To reach our goals and for the good of cycling in general, I believe it is essential to compose and reach an agreement that will satisfy everyone involved.  I regret the slow pace the negotiations have taken.  It is true that we would have been able to implement these reforms for the 2016 season.  Knowing personally all the main players in these negotiations, I am, as usual, very optimistic and confident that we can find a workable solution for the 2017 season that will only improve and stimulate professional cycling.”