David Lappartient would like to see more WT racing in February: "Today we have no World Tour races in South America or Africa while there are possibilities there"

This cyclo-cross season, the World Cup calendar was questioned more than ever with numerous riders unable to participate in all heats due to the busy schedule. But not only the field calendar, but also the road cycling program must be thoroughly revised, according to UCI chairman David Lappartient as reported by Het Nieuwsblad.

Lappartient speaks of an 'evolution, not a revolution' in the WorldTour calendar from 2026. "We want as few overlaps as possible. The UAE Tour takes place today at the same time as the Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Both competitions of the UCI World Tour. We want to avoid that as much as possible. I compare it to women's cycling."

"In women's cycling we started from a blank slate. That is a lot more difficult with the men you are looking at with 130 years of history. I am the first to realize that the Tour de France will always be ridden in July. Just like the classics will of course take place in the spring or autumn. Or that the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix will always be ridden close to each other - simply because that is better for the riders. You have to respect that."

Lappartient wants more WorldTour races in February. "Currently we only have the UAE Tour and the Omloop het Nieuwsblad as World Tour competitions in February. Why not plan additional races in that month? Then I think of parts of the world where we are currently not strong. Today we have no World Tour races in South America or Africa. While there are possibilities there. Also in Africa, yes. Who knows what the World Championships in Rwanda might bring next year?"