Creating a World Tour 2.0

The World Tour calendar has always been changed and contested since it's existence. The more traditionalist often prefer a smaller calendar while the globalists push for a more bigger global calendar. Even more people have a vision in between what resulted in the calender of today. In 2026, the UCI wants to attempt a new big reform. Before that we can line-up a few suggestions for a World Tour, 2.0. A circuit who keeps the balance between the traditional races and newer ones and with more opportunities for more riders in the current mindset of today. 4 suggestions for 2026.

Removing overlap = Removing opportunities

The intention to remove the overlap of World Tour races comes back every few year. Some argue that the best riders would be more often seen in the biggest races then. In the current reality with fewer race days then ever before, this nothing more then an illussion. Back in the early 2010ies you might have been able to make cyclists take part in Tirreno - Adriatico in February, and Paris-Nice in March but nowadays riders would never choose for such an intense program anymore. Nowadays we see riders opting for only one easy stage race in February or a training camp ahead of the Omloop or Strade Bianche. Keeping the current overlap can guarantee both stage races a decent line-up ahead of the big monuments that come soon after.

In the end of March, there is the Flemish classics overlap with the Volta a Catalunya. 2 races that attract a completely different peloton. Top climbers competing in Catalunya will never take part in the Flemish races too, even if the overlap would be removed. It would only give the race a worse spot on the calendar.

Keep it authentic

By this phrase, I don't argue that only the oldest races belong in the World Tour, but that a race should enjoy some local popularity to justify their inclusion. Racing through the dessert and arriving in cities without any interested fans doesn't give a good image to cycling. 

Another argument to leave the UAE & China is that it would be in line with the UCI stance on the Russian regime. Sanctioning innocent Russian & Belarusian athletes and teams but still shaking hands with other doubtful regimes gives a bitter feeling. 

Move up some races

You do not always have to rebuild your machine to improve your product, some minor tweaks could help as well :

Starting the Giro one week earlier would have certain advantages. It would make the Giro-Tour de France combination   more affordable in the first place as it would bring 1 or 2 weeks more rest in case of a late start in France. It would also be advantagous for riders who target Liège, as they would only have to keep their high form for 4 weeks instead of the 5th week that might be too much. 

Same can be done to the Benelux Tour. In recent years, it often clashed with the Vuelta or other big races. A missed opportunity for the organization. Finishing the race one week ahead of the Vuelta could attract some sprinters, puncheurs and classic riders who want some extra kilometers ahead of the Vuelta & Worlds.

The Euros could be moved to the end of May/Early June, a relative calmly period on he calendar. It could be a nice goal for some classic riders who can target a jersey ahead of starting their prepartion for the Tour de France. 

Add some spice

The current World Tour calendar is currently a good fundament but adding a few more races arond the world could add some extra spice to make the dish taste better. Paris-Tours, one of the most European classics in the ProRace calendar, the Japan Cup as popular more ethical alternative for the current Asian races or finally a World Tour race in the cycling passionate Colombia. 

Awarding a jersey to the leader in the World Tour again could also add some prestige to the classification. We see it currently in the Womens' World Tour and the mens' World Cup. Nowadays the winner of the World Tour often gets unnoticed. A leaders' jersey could change that to some extend.