UCI gives amateurs a chance to win rainbow jersey

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By BikeRadar UK | Wednesday, Feb 9, 2011 3.20pm

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has launched a new series of gran fondo (cyclosportive) events, with a coveted rainbow jersey up for grabs. The UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT) combines new and existing events across the US, Australia and Europe, and is aimed at "well trained amateurs".

“It’s no coincidence that the UWCT and the UCI WorldTour (formerly UCI ProTour) have such similar names," said UCI president Pat McQuaid. "We want the amateur cyclist who's devoted to the sport to have a taste of high-level racing and ultimately race for a world champion title. The UWCT is how we're going to take amateur cycling to the next level."

The UWCT will include up to 15 qualifier events. Riders will have to perform well in these to gain a place in the final, where world titles will be awarded in different age groups. All the qualifiers will be raced over 100-180km, with either a mass start or riders being sent off by age group. Time trial events will also take place at some qualifiers, covering distances of 20-40km.

For 2011, seven races have already been scheduled: two legs in the US and one each in Australia, Portugal, Slovenia, Belgium and Switzerland. Negotiations are still under way for events in Spain, the UK, Greece, Denmark and France. The finals will take place in Belgium.

Confirmed events are as follows:

  • 14 and 16 April: Perth, Australia
  • 8 May: Gran Fondo New York, USA
  • 15 May: Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx, Village Palmela, Portugal
  • 12 June: Marathon Franja BTC, Slovenia
  • 18 June: Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx, Belgium
  • 20 and 21 August: Echelon Gran Fondo, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
  • 28 August: Gruyère Cycling Tour, Switzerland
  • 10-11 September: UWCT Finals, Stavelot, Liège, Belgium

For more information on the UWCT, visit www.uciworldcyclingtour.com.

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  • So, how does this relate to the UCI Golden Bike series? http://www.ucigoldenbike.com

    That is also a series of cyclosportifs around the world that are affiliated with a series organized by the UCI. Only one of the six Golden Bike rides is listed in this new World Cycling Tour (specifically, the Gruyere Cycling Tour in Switzerland), so are both of these series continuing, or is the Golden Bike series being replaced by the World Cycling Tour?

    And BTW, giving this almost the same name as the professional series is not a good idea - it just adds to the confusion.

  • Chris, the UCI has told us that the "UWCT doesn’t replace the Golden Bike, they co-exist."

    The UCI think of cycling as a four tiered pyramid

    Cycling as transport (base)

    Golden Bike = non competitive sportives

    UWCT = amateur competition

    UCI WorldTour = pro racing (tip)

    The naming similarity is deliberate. Quote from Pat McQuaid:

    "We want the amateur cyclist who is devoted to the sport to have a taste of high level racing, and ultimately race for a World Champion title. The UWCT is how we are going to take amateur cycling to the next level. We are really looking forward to the opening of the series."

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