Why are so many former top pros racing in Asia?

May 20, 2026

A total of 23 former men’s WorldTour and ProTeam riders are competing for Asian Continental teams in 2026, up from 17 last year and 14 in 2023. Included among the current roster are Grand Tour stage winners and others who have ridden at the very top levels of the sport. Now, they are choosing to race in the third tier in China, Japan and other parts of Asia.

Once much-maligned, many riders are finding the Asian pro circuit to be a genuine alternative to Europe, with well-organised racing, acceptable remuneration and more and more regular visits from European professional teams to many of the continent’s biggest races – providing a chance to measure their abilities against riders from the sport’s main power center. escape