The Professional Cycling Council has agreed the 2017 UCI World Tour Calendar and reforms to the World Tour in Geneva, Switzerland.
The calendar will include all the existing World Tour race including those run by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) who run the Tour De France with any new events in the calendar which will be unveiled shortly having three-year licences.
There will be seventeen World Tour teams in 2017 with a license for 2017 and 2018 and there will be a play-off type scenario which means that the World Tour team that does the poorest will face a challenge from the top pro continental team in order to take their place.
“This marks another important step in the reform of men’s professional cycling, and I am very pleased that we now have our stakeholders behind what represents the future of our sport," said UCI President Brian Cookson in a press statement. "I am delighted that we can build on the heritage and prestige of the UCI WorldTour, while also welcoming newer but already successful events taking place in and outside Europe. We are committed to continuing the consultation with all stakeholders on various details of the reform."
AIOCC President, Christian Prudhomme added, “I am delighted that an agreement could be found that will help the sport of cycling as a whole.”
“I am very pleased that the proposed reform has reached a large consensus,” said David Lappartient, President of the PCC. “Our stakeholders have agreed on a vision that will reinforce the globalisation of cycling, ensure stability for teams and organisers, while preserving the principles of an open system that will allow access to UCI WorldTour level based on sporting results. It is a great step in making cycling a more attractive and global sport, while respecting its roots and history.”