1. BACKGROUND

1.1 The Parties

1. The Union Cycliste Internationale (hereinafter also referred to as the "UCI" or the "Appellant") is the international governing body for the sport of cycling. UCI is an association under Swiss law and has its headquarters in Aigle (Switzerland).

2. Mr Alexander Rasmussen (hereinafter also referred to as "Rasmussen" or the "First Respondent") is a professional road racing cyclist of Danish nationality, born on 4 May 1981, holding a license issued by the Danish Cycling Federation (Danmarks Cykle Union).

3. The National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark (Dansk Idraetsforbund) (hereinafter also referred to as the "DIF" or the "Second Respondent") is the National Olympic Committee in Denmark and is the confederation of the Danish sports federations.

4. Rasmussen and the DIF are hereinafter jointly referred to as the "Respondents".