The International Cycling Union (UCI) Management Committee met in Glasgow ahead of the opening of the all-disciplines world championships on Thursday 3 August to discuss the future of women’s cycling. Its members adopted two initiatives designed to support its development. The first is the integration of stakeholders in women’s professional road cycling into the Professional Cycling Council (CCP). From now on, the CCP will also be responsible for all matters relating to the UCI Women’s World Tour, including the preparation of calendars, and not just the men’s version. Another decision: the creation of a second division of women’s professional teams. The UCI Women’s ProTeams, initially planned for 2026, will see the light of day in 2025. They will slot in between the Women’s WorldTeams (1st division) and the existing UCI Women’s Continental Teams, which will now form the 3rd division. According to a press release from the governing body, this innovation “will enable a greater number of female riders to benefit from a professional framework”. With the introduction of the UCI Women’s Pro Teams, women’s teams are now structured on the same model as the men’s teams.
