UCI considers overhauling young rider categories

Coronavirus has prompted major rethink on age-related racing, reports Chris Marshall-Bell

- Chris Marshall-Bell

In light of Covid-19’s impact on young riders seeking progression in the sport, the UCI will consider a proposal from the Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC) that would reform cycling’s youth categories.

Cycling Weekly reported at the end of April how riders, teams and national federations across the globe are worried about the disruption of racing on young riders.

Many within the sport want the U18 and U23 categories to be raised one year to allow final-year riders in each category an additional season to compete in age-related races.

With pressure mounting from the German, Italian and French federations, the UEC has now weighed in and CW understands that the issue will be debated by the UCI before the end of June – two months earlier than planned.

The UEC wants the UCI to create a new U20 category for 18- and 19-year-olds, and a U24 category for 20- to 23-year-olds covering road, cyclo-cross, track and mountain bike disciplines.