worldtour

The WorldTour is the premier professional road cycling competition organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It serves as the highest level of competition in men’s and women’s road cycling, featuring a series of races that culminate in the UCI World Championships and the UCI World Tour rankings. Established in 2019, the WorldTour replaces the former UCI World Tour, which operated from 2005 to 2018, with expanded participation and a more structured schedule.

The WorldTour consists of 28 events, including both one-day races and multi-day stage races. Key events include the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, which are known as the "Grand Tours." Other prominent races include Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Tour of Flanders. The schedule also includes shorter races like the Tour Down Under, Paris-Nice, and the Volta a Catalunya, among others. Each event carries varying points toward the UCI World Tour rankings, with more prestigious races awarding higher points.

Teams competing in the WorldTour are typically UCI WorldTeams, which include elite professional teams like Team Jumbo-Visma, Ineos Grenadiers, and Movistar Team. These teams are supported by sponsors and feature top cyclists from around the world. The WorldTour also includes ProTeams and Continental Teams, though their participation is limited and points are distributed accordingly.

The WorldTour emphasizes both individual performance and team dynamics, with riders aiming to secure victories, podium finishes, and high points totals. The rankings determine the top cyclists and teams annually, with the UCI World Tour rankings system providing a comprehensive overview of competitive success. The event also promotes cycling culture, attracting large crowds, media coverage, and significant commercial interest.