After Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's recent involvement in such projects as LIV Golf, Newcastle United and the sport of boxing, next on their agenda seems to be cycling with their much talked about proposal for a cycling super league, 'ONE Cycling'.
With reportedly eight World Tour teams signing up for the proposal and renowned race organisers, Flanders Classics also on board according to the rumour mill, 'ONE Cycling' is aiming for a start date of 2026. What this would mean for the future of cycling is questionable. Would there be two World Tours as has happened in golf? Where would the participation of riders in Grand Tours stand?
When asked by Cyclism'Actu about the plans,
Tour de France boss,
Christian Prudhomme is seemingly not a fan. “This is not our project. It's an idea I can't comment on. We are absolutely not a driving force at ASO," he begins. “It doesn't interest me, and I don't think many people are interested either."
"The greatest strength of cycling is that it is a free sport for people standing on the side of the road. It must remain that way. The ASO family has always wanted to conclude television contracts with free, general and - if possible - public television channels. We only make money if we have a lot of viewers,” continues Prudhomme, detailing why he doesn't agree with the idea. “The Tour is a giant with broadcasts in 190 countries and 2,000 journalists following the race. Also look at the people on the side of the road. We even had to pay the price for success with a larger, younger and therefore more 'dynamic' audience. This is the reality of the month of July, during the largest cycling race in the world. Anyone who wants to change this must realize this."
