UCI Track World Cup set for change after this season
The UCI is in discussions to revamp its top-level international track series for the 2016/17 season
The UCI Track World Cup series looks set for an overhaul after the closure of the 2015/16 season this weekend in Hong Kong.
The exact nature of the alterations has not yet been specified, but a Union Cycliste Internationale spokesperson confirmed to Cycling Weekly that changes were being discussed.
"The UCI is in ongoing discussions with key stakeholders including National Federations, with regards to potential changes to the structure of UCI Track competitions to create a more sustainable and attractive offering. Further details will be shared in due course."
Former track sprinter Sir Chris Hoy tweeted on Thursday that he had heard changes were to be made to the competition. "This weekend's track cycling World Cup will be the last one ever apparently as the competition format is changing next year. End of an era," he said.
Introduced in the mid-1990s, the top-level track series run by the UCI has been a mainstay of the track racing calendar.
The format of the series originally ran for six rounds from February into early summer, but this was changed to an October-February programme in 2004. Recently, the number of rounds has dropped to just three with some nations and venues having reportedly struggling to accommodate the competition.
>>> Cycling Weekly's guide to track racing: everything you need to know
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Track cycling remains - for now - an important part of the Olympic Games programme, and it looks likely that the changes to the World Cup will be instigated when this year's Games in Rio have concluded.
Unlike other cycling disciplines, track cyclists are often focussed almost solely on Olympic medals, and interest in the World Cup often has to fit in with a particular nation's four-year plan.
Currently, the World Cup rounds include some competitions now not found in the Olympic programme, such as points and scratch races. Olympic events currently comprise men's and women's sprint, team sprint, keirin, team pursuit and omnium.
>>> Tokyo 2020 Olympic track cycling to be staged 120km away from capital
It is possible that the number of events included in the Track World Cup could be reduced to streamline the length of each round, and therefore reduce costs.
The Hong Kong round of the 2015/16 Track World Cup concludes on Sunday.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
I’m a fat cyclist; these are the top 3 misconceptions people have about bigger riders and why they’re wrong
After my recent 'We're fat cyclists' reel went viral, I realized I had hit a nerve
By Marley Blonsky Published
-
8 pro mechanic set-up hacks inspired by the Spring Classics
Riding the rough stuff? Glen Whittington, our resident pro mechanic, ramps up speed and comfort with hacks from the cobbled classics
By Glen Whittington Published
-
'I'm horrendously competitive': Get to know GB track sprinter Sophie Capewell
Olympic hopeful tells Cycling Weekly about her cyclocross roots, wanting to be a scientist, and her proudest moment to date
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI to review hookless rims ‘as a matter of urgency’
Review follows Thomas De Gendt’s heavy crash at men’s UAE Tour
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Zwift might be about to add a new map, leaked pictures suggest
Zwifters might soon be able to compete in a virtual Omnium, or take on the Hour Record
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘It’s a performance thing’ - why riders are eating Calippos and Greggs steak bakes to fuel gold medals
Forget expensive gels, the best race nutrition comes from corner shops
By Tom Davidson Published
-
French WorldTour pro cyclist suspended for anti-doping ‘abnormalities’
Franck Bonnamour's biological passport is under investigation by the UCI
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I'm sure I could get over 2,000 watts' - meet the Gladiators contestant with track sprinting ambitions
Jamie Christian, also known as Giant, has jaw-dropping power on a bike
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Why aren't GB using the new Hope-Lotus Olympic track bikes?
An updated design was released last July, but might not feature in competition before the summer
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Katie Archibald to miss European Championships in key Olympic year
Scot will focus on Nations Cup events ahead of Paris Olympics in August
By Tom Davidson Published