‘Cycling’s revenues do not reflect its global popularity’: I read the UCI’s consultation on pro cycling so you don’t have to

September 29, 2026

Today, the UCI published an 8,000 word, 40 page document outlining changes that could improve the “Future of Road Cycling”. Suggestions include (but are clearly not limited to) a more coherent calendar, a structural reform of the economics of pro cycling, and ‘safety scores’ for finish stretches in a bid to improve rider safety.

There’s also talk of a financial fairness mechanism like a budget or salary cap, carefully managed growth of women’s cycling, modernised fan engagement, and GPS trackers in races, and “data-led equipment rules”.

How did we get here? Why was the document needed? And, what concrete changes will actually arise from its creation? Let me answer those questions.

In February, cycling’s governing body launched a wide-ranging consultation on the future of road cycling, pithily called the “Future of Road Cycling”.

The goal was to find ways to improve pro cycling, and to make it sustainable. Race organisers, riders, teams, other stakeholders and their umbrella bodies were all asked to contribute. CYCLING WEEKLY