Approval Granted for a Wildcard Team to Compete in the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a Espana Cycling Events
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has announced a significant change in the men's Grand Tours, increasing the number of teams from 22 to 23, starting in 2025 [1]. This decision allows for an additional team entry, thereby expanding the peloton to 184 riders for races such as the Tour de France.
This expansion is part of a formal rule adjustment introduced by the UCI, with three wildcard invitations available for the 2025 Tour. The extra team spot will be awarded through a bidding process, increasing participation and providing opportunities for more ProTeams to compete at the highest level [1].
The UCI's rationale centres on inclusivity and competitive opportunity, aiming to include more teams beyond the 18 WorldTour teams automatically invited, thereby enhancing competition and diversity in the race field [2]. However, some riders, such as Mathieu van der Poel, have criticized this increase, citing safety concerns due to a larger peloton size [3].
The decision was made by the UCI Management Committee, following a proposal from the Professional Cycling Council (PCC) [1]. The peloton size in the Grand Tours was reduced from 198 to 176 riders in 2018 [1]. Until now, the men's Grand Tours consisted of 18 UCI WorldTeams, the two best-ranked UCI ProTeams, and two further ProTeams invited by the organiser [1].
Notably, this change does not affect the women's race equivalents of the Grand Tours: Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Vuelta Femenina, and Giro d'Italia Women [1]. All of these races already carry at least five wildcards.
However, Visma-Lease a Bike boss Richard Plugge has expressed opposition to adding a 23rd team in the Grand Tours. Plugge, who did not specify any particular team he is against, made these comments earlier this month to Sporza [4]. One of the rules for safety in the Grand Tours, according to Plugge, is that there cannot be more than 176 riders [4].
The Tour de France has already confirmed its wildcards for 2025 will be TotalEnergies, Tudor, and Uno-X [5]. Wildcard slots are now open to teams such as Julian Alaphilippe's Tudor, Tom Pidcock's Q36.5, Uno-X, and TotalEnergies.
In conclusion, the UCI's decision to increase the number of teams in men's Grand Tours aims to promote competitive diversity and offer wider opportunities for ProTeams to enter prestigious Grand Tours. Despite some safety concerns, the UCI's focus remains on inclusivity and competitive opportunity.
Sports enthusiasts worldwide are anticipating the 2025 Grand Tours, as the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has increased the number of teams from 22 to 23, expanding the peloton to 184 riders [1]. This decision marks a significant change in the men's racing scene, with an additional team entry and more competitive opportunity for ProTeams to compete at the highest level [1].
