UCI rejects OneCycling project for World Tour calendar

At its most recent Management Committee meeting, the UCI took a clear position on the controversial OneCycling project. The concept developed by some teams and organisers in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) will not be included in the calendars of the UCI Women's World Tour and UCI World Tour in its current form. This decision was unanimous and followed a corresponding recommendation by the Professional Cycling Council (PCC).

>> End of an era: Critérium du Dauphiné gets a new name

>> Peloton stands guard: Goosebumps farewell for Bardet at Dauphiné

Incompatibility with UCI structures

The UCI cited the incompatibility of the project with the existing structures and regulatory framework of the world governing body as the main reasons for the rejection. The committee also criticised the proposal's lack of sporting coherence. These fundamental objections emphasise the complexity of integrating new concepts into the established structures of professional cycling.

>> Summary of the Tour of the Dauphiné: 10 types & pairs of legs ahead of the Tour de France 2025

>> Show me your tattoo: Professional cyclists and their tattoos

Openness for further discussions

Despite the clear rejection, the UCI emphasises its fundamental willingness to engage in further discussions with the representatives of the OneCycling project. The world governing body is thus signalling a fundamental openness to innovation, provided that it is in harmony with the existing structures. However, the hurdles for combining these two things appear to be very high.