In the world of cycling, where innovation and tradition often clash like gears grinding on a tough climb, the decision-makers at the UCI have made an intriguing move. The highly anticipated One Cycling project, a bold initiative that promised to shake up the status quo in professional cycling, has been left off the roster for the upcoming 2026 season.
As fans eagerly awaited news of which events would make it onto the prestigious UCI World Tour and Women’s World Tour calendars, eyebrows were raised when it became apparent that One Cycling was conspicuously absent. The UCI justified this exclusion by citing concerns about compatibility with its regulatory framework. While details on these specific concerns remain vague, it is clear that there are underlying issues that have led to this decision.
The One Cycling project had generated significant buzz within the cycling community due to its ambitious goals and high-profile backing. Rumored to be supported by an investment firm linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), One Cycling aimed to revolutionize the sport with innovative approaches supported by top teams and race organizers. However, despite the initial excitement surrounding the project, it seems that not everyone was convinced of its place within the established structures of professional cycling.
Experts in the field have weighed in on this development, offering insights into both sides of the debate. Some believe that excluding One Cycling from the calendar represents a missed opportunity for growth and evolution within the sport. As one industry insider remarked,
“Innovation is crucial for any sport to stay relevant and attract new audiences. The exclusion of a potentially game-changing project like One Cycling could stifle progress.”
On the other hand, there are those who support the UCI’s decision as a necessary step to uphold standards and maintain integrity within professional cycling. According to another expert opinion,
“While innovation is important, it must be balanced with respect for existing regulations and frameworks. The UCI has a responsibility to ensure fair competition and uphold principles that underpin the sport.”
The absence of One Cycling from the 2026 calendar raises questions about what criteria are used to evaluate new projects and initiatives in professional cycling. It also highlights tensions between tradition and innovation in an ever-evolving sporting landscape where old traditions sometimes clash with new ideas.
For now, fans will have to wait and see how this decision plays out in future seasons. Will One Cycling find a way back into contention? Or will it pave the way for other groundbreaking projects seeking to disrupt conventional norms in professional cycling? Only time will tell as cyclists around the world continue their quest for excellence on two wheels.
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