UCI promotion system boosts racing activity

In 2026, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)’s promotion and relegation system has led to a surge in racing activity among cycling teams. Several teams have participated in numerous races to secure their positions in the elite division, with the top 10 most active teams collectively competing in hundreds of events.

Top teams dominate the racing calendar

The French team TotalEnergies contested 116 races, the highest number of any team, closely followed by Lotto Intermarché with 115 starts. Two second-division teams, Cofidis with 111 races and Unibet Rose Rockets with 110 races, also ranked highly. Groupama - FDJ United reached the 100-race mark, while three teams—XDS Astana Team, Pinarello Q36.5, and Tudor Pro Cycling—each completed 97 races. UAE Team Emirates and Team Jayco AlUla rounded out the top 10 with 95 and 93 races, respectively.

Racing strategy for promotion

The increased racing activity is driven by the need for second-division teams to finish among the best to be automatically invited to major races like the Tour de France. Sports directors often split their teams into two or three groups to participate in all possible small races and collect points, which are crucial for promotion.

Points system favors smaller races

This strategy is influenced by the points system, where finishing fourth or fifth in a one-day small race can earn more points than a fifteenth place in a difficult major race. As the top teams dominate major circuits, more modest teams prefer to send their riders to races with weaker competition to accumulate points effectively.

Physical strain on riders

However, this approach places a significant physical burden on the riders. Teams rely on tireless riders who spend their season on the bike, sometimes exceeding 80 days of racing per year. Riders from Lotto Intermarché, such as Baptiste Veistroffer (85 days) and Liam Slock (83 days), have participated in a large number of races, showcasing the demanding nature of the season.

Support staff work year-round

From the end of January to the end of October, mechanics and soigneurs work continuously to support these riders, ensuring they meet their racing commitments. While this model helps secure the team's future, it also tests the physical endurance of the riders over time, raising concerns about long-term health and performance sustainability.