Versatility is key. This is the message the cycling world governing body UCI wants to send out with a new decision. In future, racers will also be able to collect points for the team classification in road cycling in other disciplines. According to the UCI decision, results from races on the track, in mountain biking and cyclocross as well as from gravel events will also be counted according to a certain points scale. Previously, only results from road competitions were counted. According to the UCI's press release, the following races will be eligible for additional points in future: the world championships on the track, in Olympic cross-country (MTB), cyclocross and gravel. In addition, points will also be awarded for a rider's performance in the overall World Cup in the track, cyclocross and mountain bike cross-country disciplines.
The regulation is due to come into force at the start of 2027 and will apply to the 20 best men on a team and the eight best women on a team in the road rankings. However, the points will not apply to the individual and national rankings on the road. The regulation will make it more interesting for the racing teams to send riders to off-road competitions.
In the coming months, the cycling world federation will determine exactly how the results will be honoured in points for the teams. Teams such as Alpecin - Deceuninck with Mathieu van der Poel and Q36.5 with Tom Pidcock in the men's category and Fenix - Deceuninck with Puck Pieterse in the women's category in particular could benefit from the new regulations. In addition to road races, the trio also regularly compete in cyclo-cross and mountain bike events. Conversely, versatile cyclists will become more interesting for the top teams. The Salaries of many riders are linked to how many points they earn for the team ranking and thus ensure, for example, that a professional team retains its class or licence in the World Tour.
Andreas Kublik
Editor
