UCI Confirms WorldTour and ProTeam Rosters for 2026-2028 Cycling Seasons

Cycling's Future Takes Shape: New Teams and Mergers Define Upcoming Seasons

Women's WorldTour: The Elite Roster Takes Shape (2026-2028)

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has confirmed a roster of 14 elite women's teams for the WorldTour from 2026 to 2028. This official announcement follows an extensive review process, resulting in some shifts within the top tier. Notable changes include the departure of CERATIZIT and Roland, with EF Education-Oatly stepping in as a new entrant. The selection criteria encompassed ethical conduct, financial stability, organizational structure, administrative capabilities, and most importantly, sporting merit based on accumulated UCI points over the preceding two years.

Men's WorldTour: A New Era with Team Transitions (2026-2028)

For the men's professional circuit, 18 teams have secured their places in the WorldTour for the 2026-2028 period. Arkéa-B&B Hotels and Cofidis will be exiting this top division, making way for NSN Cycling and Uno-X Mobility. Additionally, Lotto and Intermarché are set to combine forces, leading to a merged entity. This restructuring reflects the competitive nature of the sport, where performance over the past three years, measured by UCI points, dictated promotion and relegation. The announcement also details various team rebrandings and changes in registration countries, such as Lidl-Trek shifting to Germany following a significant ownership change.

ProTeam Licenses: Conditional Approvals and Strategic Mergers

A key detail from the UCI's confirmation is the conditional one-year WorldTour license granted to both the men's and women's Picnic PostNL teams. This decision is linked to specific financial stipulations that must be fulfilled for their licenses to be extended through the 2027 and 2028 seasons, likely influenced by ongoing sponsorship negotiations. This highlights the financial pressures and strategic considerations teams face in securing their future in elite cycling.

The Second Tier: Emerging Talent and New Formations in Women's ProTeams (2026)

Beyond the WorldTour, the UCI has also finalized the seven Women's ProTeams for 2026. This category serves as a vital pathway for rising talent. The list includes established names like Cofidis and St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93, alongside new additions such as Lotto-Intermarché Ladies and Ma Petite Entreprise. The French squad Winspace Orange Seal will also be competing under a new designation, Mayenne Monbana Mypie, illustrating the dynamic nature of team evolution within the sport.

Men's ProTeams: Expanding Ranks and International Shifts (2026)

The men's ProTeam division sees 16 teams confirmed for the 2026 season, marking the sport's robust growth at this level. This group features both familiar names and several new entrants. Noteworthy among the newcomers are MBH Bank CSB Telecom Fort, now a Hungarian outfit, and George Hincapie's Modern Adventure Pro Cycling. The Italian squad formerly known as Solution Tech-Vini Fantini will now race as Toscana Nippo Rali, signifying geographical and sponsorship-driven transformations. These ProTeams, including Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling and Tudor Pro Cycling, will vie for success in the second tier, with some having previously sought WorldTour status without immediate succes