Covid-19 Spells ‘Catastrophe' For U23 Ranks

The pandemic has had a severe effect on the chances of ‘fourth-year riders’ moving up

- Chris Marshall-Bell

The suspension of racing caused by the coronavirus crisis has been described as “catastrophic” for young male riders looking to secure professional contracts.

Every season, dozens of young riders across the world aged 21 and 22 – known as ‘fourth-year riders’ – race in the U23 category for the final time, more often than not, their last chance to earn a ride at a UCI-affiliated team, whether WorldTour, Pro-Continental or Continental.

The dearth of racing, though, is expected to deny a large proportion of these riders the chance to accomplish their dreams.

“For the guys who are in their first or second years there is no need to panic, but for some of those fourth-year riders it is catastrophic if they had to ride for a contract this year,” Kurt Van de Wouwer, sports director at Lotto-Soudal U23, told Cycling Weekly.

Some riders have already signed pre-contract forms with teams, while others will be able to draw on previous results in the hope of turning professional in 2021.

For the rest, however, the 2020 season was essential in their quest to achieve their ambition, with races being their shop window to attract interest.

The hope is that professional racing returns in the late-summer to autumn, but U23-specific races are not likely to be rearranged, leaving local races and a handful of UCI 2.2 races to impress would-be suitors.

To compound matters, the number of already limited places is expected to be squeezed further with the expectation that some teams will fold, and others will reduce their squad sizes.

In addition, there is an assumption that teams will reward loyalty to young and old riders for the sacrifices they have made and will make during the interrupted season, and tie them down to additional contracts, leaving less space for would-be neo-pros.