UCI
The Union Cycliste International (UCI) is the world governing body of cycling as a sport encompassing road racing, track and mountain bike, cyclo-cross, BMX, trials, paracycling and indoor cycling. Founded in Paris in 1900 the organisation is now based in Aigle, Switzerland and is recognised by the IOC (International Olympic Committee).
The current President is Brian Cookson, former President of the British Cycling Federation, who took over from Pat McQuaid following a bitter election battle in 2013. At the time the UCI was still reeling from the aftershock of the Lance Armstrong confession and multiple allegations of corruption.
The UCI sets the regulations for the competitive aspects of the sport of cycling and oversees the enforcement of them from racing to anti-doping (the UCI is signed up the the WADA code) and equipment. All the rules can be downloaded from the UCI's website.
The Tour de France is the flagship event in the UCI's WorldTour calendar that includes all three Grand Tours as well as the one-day classics, Milan - San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Tour of Lombardy. The UCI's licence commission oversees the registration of professional cycling teams.
UCI world championships are held annually in each of the disciplines as well as World Cups (excluding men's road racing, but including women's). Road, track, mountain bike and BMX are the four cycling disciplines included in the Olympic programme.
External links: History of the UCI | UCI YouTube channel
-
Tour of Britain Women 2026 to be a five-stage race, closing gap with men's event
Race will increase to five stages next year, British Cycling announces
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
How much are UCI points really worth in cycling, and why do they matter?
An equal amount of points per race will be up for grabs for both women and men in new UCI ruling for 2026
By Meg Elliot Published
-
‘This rule endangers cyclists’ - peloton hits out at UCI minimum handlebar width
Pro women's union The Cyclists Alliance joins chorus of disapproval of 40cm handlebar width rule unveiled earlier this month.
By Vern Pitt Published
-
'The majority of riders say that this is not the biggest issue' - UCI to test gear limits at races from August, effectively banning most SRAM chainsets
Change made after recommendation from SafeR commission, trials thought to take place at Tour of Guangxi
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Petition against UCI's new handlebar rules gathers thousands of signatures
New restrictions 'may increase the risk of discomfort, reduced control, and long-term injury'
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI rejects One Cycling project as 'incompatible' and 'lacking sporting coherence'
Governing body to remain in discussions with project representatives, as 2026 WorldTour calendars announced
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Extra wildcard team approved for Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España
Number of teams to increase from 22 to 23 at men's Grand Tours
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI president says there is 'no plan B' for Rwanda World Championships after European Parliament calls for cancellation over conflict
The Road World Championships are due to be held in Kigali this September, but Rwanda is involved in armed conflict in the neighbouring DRC
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
No change to Rwanda World Championships planned after violence breaks out on border with DR Congo, UCI says
World governing body 'closely monitoring' situation in east Africa with showpiece event set to visit Rwanda in September
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Rider airbags being considered as part of new safety measures from UCI
World governing body still undecided on radios, gear restrictions, regulations surrounding rim height and handlebar widths and wider rules in sprint finishes
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘It’s unprofessional and I’m p****d off’: Riders and staff learned of British Continental team’s decision to close via social media
A handful of team personnel only learned on social media that they would not have jobs in 2025 after Saint Piran's demise
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
UK team asking athletes to pay £500 for a 'performance test review' as part of application and has insisted riders sign an NDA to join
British Continental team Saint Piran charging hefty fee for data review with no guarantee that applicants will get a place on the team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
UCI confirm investigation launched into 'unapproved' frameset used by Saint Piran
British team glued fake UCI compliance labels to open mould frames purchased from far east
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Have information about motor doping in cycling? The UCI will now pay you
The UCI hopes that informants and whistleblowers will increase their knowledge of "new and innovative – and hard to detect – technology in bikes."
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
What is the new 'yellow card' system in place at the Tour de France Femmes?
Barbara Guarischi becomes first rider to receive booking after yellow card trial brought in by world governing body
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Afghan Cycling Federation president suspended over 'abusive' messages
UCI bans Fazli Ahmad Fazli following almost three-year investigation
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We are not afraid': UCI to pay for 'qualified information' relating to possible motor doping
President David Lappartient also says that he is "not afraid to to catch a top rider" should they be using motored assistance inside their bike
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Yellow cards to be trialled in pro cycling amid raft of UCI rule changes
The way time gaps are calculated is also set to be altered
By Adam Becket Published
-
'All the conditions are met, then it's questioned again' - Visma-Lease a Bike bemoan UCI review after 'a lot of money' spent on development of Giro helmet
Team reacts to governing body statement on Tuesday, day after new helmet was debuted
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The UCI is banning time trial helmet optimisations - one day after Giro lid broke cover
The 'head sock' is out, with more helmets to be reviewed - whilst hookless rim investigation is still ongoing
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
-
‘Unprecedented’ television audiences revealed for cycling Super Worlds
Fans around the world watched more than 200 million hours in August
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Number of British women’s Continental teams set to double in 2024
Three British teams have applied to step up to UCI level next season
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI warns UK that banning Russians will hurt chances of hosting future events
UCI president David Lappartient reportedly says UK government does not trust the UCI will ensure Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete as neutrals in Scotland next month
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
30-metre mattresses will be used on key Tour de France descent
Race organisers announce new safety measures on eve of Grand Départ in Bilbao
By Tom Davidson Published