Wiggins gets green light to join new team in May and ride Tour de Yorkshire
The sport's governing body's decision allows Wiggins to compete in Britain's newest international stage race.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wQ3bVNFDTpjJqDvfebE7H8-415-80.jpg)
Bradley Wiggins on stage one of the 2015 Tour of Qatar
Bradley Wiggins will be able to ride the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire in Team Wiggins colours, as the UCI confirmed today that it has granted him special dispensation to join the squad in May, allowing him to compete in the three-day event.
As reported on Cycling Weekly yesterday, Wiggins faced not being able to compete for the new UCI Continental-ranked team that bears his name until June 1 following his departure from Team Sky, owing to the governing body’s rules on rider transfers.
However, responding to enquiries from CW, the UCI today confirmed its road commission has permitted Wiggins to complete the change of teams in time for the Tour de Yorkshire’s opening stage on May 1.
A spokesperson said: “The request [for an immediate transfer] came from Sir Bradley Wiggins’ team, with the support of his National Federation. The derogation to article 2.17.007 was approved by the UCI Road Commission.
Tour de Yorkshire stage timings and where to watch
We run through the Yorkshire hot spots where you'll get the best views of the 2018 edition of the Tour
“The transfer of Sir Bradley Wiggins will be effective from the day that the official registration bulletin is received by the UCI from the National Federation of the UCI Continental Team Wiggins.”
In 2013, Alessandro Petacchi attempted to join Omega Pharma-Quick Step in May of that season after leaving Lampre-Merida. The UCI blocked this, and only let him make the switch later on in the season during its designated transfer window.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Asked why the UCI allowed Wiggins to change teams, the spokesperson added: “The spirit of the transfer rules are not intended to prevent transfers from Division 1 [WorldTour] to Division 3 [Continental level], as this is an extremely rare occurrence.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nick Bull is an NCTJ qualified journalist who has written for a range of titles, as well as being a freelance writer at Beat Media Group, which provides reports for the PA Media wire which is circulated to the likes of the BBC and Eurosport. His work at Cycling Weekly predominantly dealt with professional cycling, and he now holds a role as PR & Digital Manager at SweetSpot Group, which organises the Tour of Britain.
-
Tadej Pogačar broke 288 Strava KOMs during Tour de France victory
Slovenian won his third Tour title in Nice last weekend, and picked up a host of new trophies on Strava
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I'm definitely pushing over 2,500 watts' - Meet the most powerful cyclists in the GB Olympics squad
Move over track sprinters, there are stronger legs in town
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Afghan Cycling Federation president suspended over 'abusive' messages
UCI bans Fazli Ahmad Fazli following almost three-year investigation
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Bradley Wiggins joins Lance Armstrong for Tour de France podcast
The former Tour de France winner will be appearing on The Move for the next week
By Adam Becket Published
-
Bradley Wiggins declared bankrupt - reports
The Tour de France winner was in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement since 2020
By Adam Becket Published
-
UCI to review hookless rims ‘as a matter of urgency’
Review follows Thomas De Gendt’s heavy crash at men’s UAE Tour
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
French WorldTour pro cyclist suspended for anti-doping ‘abnormalities’
Franck Bonnamour's biological passport is under investigation by the UCI
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI rules new track cycling series a ‘forbidden event’ and threatens to fine riders
Riders are at risk of fines and suspension if they compete in the planned DerbyWheel
By Tom Davidson Published
-
A $2,250 fine for wearing the wrong socks? UCI toughens sanctions for 2024
Offences for non-compliant clothing and unauthorised feeding set to carry harsher fines
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI hails 20% emissions reduction as it lays out sustainability plan
Report is part of world governing body’s commitment to reduce impact of its operations on environment
By Tom Thewlis Published