Although in place for several years, only in 2022 did some World Tour teams start paying attention to the UCI rankings. With those now crucial for several teams who look to keep their position at the highest level, it has caused dissatisfaction in many, Michael Woods concluded.
In a Twitter post Woods called to "get rid of the relegation system", as it "forces teams to run triple programs throughout the season". Several teams are having a loaded calendar throughout the last few months, and some - including Woods' Israel - Premier Tech - have made changes in lineups to favour their chances of scoring higher points and assuring their position.
Woods argued that "the World Tour should only by the WT. Peloton sizes need to be reduced and the calendar needs [to] follow a more logical travel pattern". Earlier this year, Woods also called for the end of time-trial bikes on time-trials - a discipline which coincidentally he has big issues with.
Israel, according to the last update, are quite far behind the red line which was occupied by Movistar Team and are in severe risk of relegation. Woods was one of the team's key parts to protect it in the final two months of racing, but he abandoned the Vuelta a Espana after a crash - leaving the team with lesser capabilities of scoring points. The situation is not favourable to the team, which is slowly becoming likely to be riding at Pro Team level in 2023.
Yup! Also get rid of the relegation system! It forces teams to run triple programs throughout the season (a much greater carbon footprint). The world tour should only be the WT. Peloton sizes need to be reduced and the calendar needs follow a more logical travel pattern.
It's time we had a serious, adult discussion about cycling's appalling impact on the environment so here's eight achievable proposals trib.al/Oy9L3jg
