New WorldTour initiative designed to promote more aggressive racing

Introducing a new measure intended to spice up racing and encourage riders and teams to adopt a different pattern of action, the UCI has today confirmed a modified setup for the WorldTour Tour of Poland this July.



The new structure will see bonus points allocated to riders at certain locations along the route of each stage, such as intermediate sprints and mountains primes.



Those points will count towards a so-called ‘Race Appeal’ classification, which in turn will award bonus seconds to the riders concerned.



As this will have an effect on the general classification, it means that those intending to compete for the overall will have a strong incentive to chase the time bonuses on offer.



“This contest will add extra spice to each day of racing,” states UCI President Pat McQuaid. “The riders will have added motivation at certain points throughout the day, and the spectators will be treated to some exciting and spectacular competitions.”



In addition to the Race Appeal classification, the new pilot system will also see teams reduced from eight to six riders.



This should also have an effect on animating races, as it will be harder for any one team to control the peloton.



The new system came about after a working group comprising representatives from the sport’s main stakeholders, including teams, proposed the restructuring. It was approved by the UCI’s Professional Cycling Council in February, and is deemed likely to be introduced to additional WorldTour races next season.



Tour of Poland race director Czeslaw Lang said that the event is open to innovation. “This is why, with great enthusiasm and interest, we embrace all those solutions which can contribute to rendering the race even more spectacular and exciting,” he said.”



The Tour of Poland will take place between July 27th and August 3rd this year.