UCI shakes things up with gear restrictions, wildcard updates, and overhaul of points system

For example, the five-kilometer rule will be clarified. It replaces the three-kilometer rule, but the UCI clarifies that this only applies to specific circumstances: the rule may only be observed where a mass sprint is expected. There was some confusion about this; some races applied the rules in the middle mountains. That is not the intention.

Then, the big one: the points system. In WorldTour races, the winner could previously earn 300 points for races such as the Renewi Tour or the Classic Brugge-De Panne. For races such as the E3 Saxo Classic and the Flèche Wallonne, 400 points could be earned, and for winning the Critérium du Dauphiné or the Amstel Gold Race, 500 points were awarded. The higher categories could earn even more points (Monuments, Grand Tours). But from 2026, there will be fewer categories in WorldTour races.

From next year, the winner of a WorldTour race will earn at least 400 points. This puts the Renewi Tour on par with the Tour of Catalonia. The Strade Bianche, UAE Tour, and Flèche Wallonne will, in turn, be upgraded to races worth 500 points. The same new points system will also apply to WorldTour races for women. The UCI ProSeries (e.g., the Baloise Belgium Tour) will also be upgraded: the winner will now earn 250 points instead of 200.

A separate change can be seen regarding the Extreme Weather Protocol. This was brought into being to ensure the safety of riders in bad weather. A meeting before the start is mandatory, where the UCI commissaries talk to the organization, while the CPA (riders' union) is also present. This protocol now applies to WorldTour races, ProSeries, and class 1 races (e.g., Volta NXT Classic), but only if at least eight teams at the WorldTour or Pro-continental level are starting. For women, that number is reduced to six teams.

However, the UCI has decided to tighten the safety protocols with the help of regulators. A regulator is someone from the organization responsible for the riders' safety during the race. They will oversee the race on a motorcycle. Now, two regulators must be present in WorldTour races and one in ProSeries races. For other races, the UCI strongly recommends the presence of such an official.

In addition, the UCI wants to conduct tests by reducing the bikes' gears. As of August 1, some races will have new rules, allowing a maximum gear ratio of 54 teeth in front and 11 in the rear. This measure is intended to reduce speed and thereby increase safety, despite considerable criticism of—but also support for—the ideas of the International Cycling Union.

There is also news about the Wildcards, although it is not really new news. From 2026, the major tours will be required to reserve three places for the best UCI ProTeams, i.e., the pro-continental teams. Previously, there were two places: Lotto and Israel - Premier Tech are currently entitled to those places, but a third team will be added. This also means that the organizations will only have two real Wildcards left. This rule also applies to other stage races.

We're not done with the changes yet. A few minor adjustments: from 2026, a maximum of 72% of the teams in a WorldTour-level ProSeries race may be WorldTour teams. That was 70%, a change of nothing, it seems. However, it does mean that if there are 18 teams at the start, 13 WorldTour teams can now start instead of 12.

Finally, a new rule: if a leader in a secondary classification already has another jersey, the number two in that classification will wear that jersey. This is not new, of course, but if the number two is wearing a champion's jersey (national, continental, or world champion), he must wear that jersey. The jersey for the secondary classification then goes to the number three.