UCI ProTour

UCI ProTour: a label to promote the development of cycling

The UCI ProTour is a quality label awarded to teams and events who comply with a very strict series of conditions: excellent sporting quality, an unconditional respect of ethical considerations, impeccable legal compliance and assurances of financial stability.

The objective of the label is to promote the universal development of high-level cycling by combining, under the auspices of the UCI, the strengths of the teams and events awarded the label, to the benefit of all. The label contributes to reinforcing the professionalism of the teams and events, increasing the quality of the sporting spectacle presented and bringing cycling greater stability and improved visibility.

The UCI ProTour label has been awarded to 18 teams (the UCI ProTeams) for 2010. These teams bring together the best riders in the world and form a top division. There are 16 UCI ProTour events in 2010, in which the UCI ProTeams are obliged to participate.

UCI ProTour races are held in Europe, Oceania and North America. At present, UCI ProTeams come from Europe, America and Asia.

UCI ProTour events form one of the two categories making up the UCI World Calendar. The second category consists of “Monument” events. The UCI ProTour category includes emerging events as well as more traditional races.

In terms of participation, UCI ProTeams have priority to compete in UCI ProTour events. However, UCI Professional Continental Teams with wild card status can also take part in UCI ProTour events if invited. Wild card status is afforded to teams that apply and meet similar quality criteria to those applying to become UCI ProTeams, in particular with regard to ethical considerations.

Riders participating in UCI ProTour events (as well as their team and country) can win points in the various UCI world classifications (calculated on the basis of all the races of the UCI World Calendar).