From the Winter Olympics to a Flèche Wallonne debut – Sandrine Tas begins cycling career with Lotto–Intermarché Ladies www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/...

You can't apply logic here. This is cycling!

Obviously, you can't expect the UCI to update the *entire* rulebook when introduced a new team category to the women's peloton ... 🫠

LOL!
Great find.

Almost as cute as Bailey & Brawny!

Not entirely true: Throughout the years, paragraph 2.1.005 has been changed on 1 October, 25 September, 1 July, 1 February, 23 October, 9 November, 20 October in addition to the usual 1 January.

Paraphrasing 2.1.005, footnote 4: If <15 WWT/WPT confirmed 30 days before the race, Conti teams can be invited (first only from same nation, then from other nations).

That is already the rule!

British Conti teams should actively lobby British Cycling to ask the UCI for dispensation so they can be invited to the ToBW.

Yay! \o/
Sounds like you'll have a great day.

Haha, exactly!

Giro d'Italia Women confirms five Italian Continental teams despite UCI rule barring them from WorldTour races The 2026 Giro d'Italia Women start list includes five Continental teams despite new UCI regulations barring them from WorldTour events.

A rather bizarre situation and the usual wishy washy use of the rules and regulations from the UCI...
veloracycling.com/news/giro-it...

That was my mid-day rant. And breathe. 😊

Either the rule is enforced, or there has to at least be some transparent communication: "We introduced this rule, we changed our mind, we will automatically dispensate all races from this rule, feel free to invite Conti teams."
But the UCI isn't transparent about it.

Meanwhile, some race organisers (yes, RCS, I'm looking at you) just went "let's completely disregard this new rule and do what WE want".
As I said, I agree that the rule came in too early - but you can't just enforce (or not) rules willy-nilly!

Ma Petite Entreprise could have started at the Conti level instead of having to fulfill all the requirements for a ProTeam just to have a chance of a Tour wildcard.

But it's the double standard that is deeply unfair: The Tour Down Under could have asked and received dispensation to invite Aussie Conti teams - if only they'd known that was even an option!

I would tell all race organisers to write to the UCI and ask for permission to invite as many Conti teams as they bloody well want to. Because apparently this dispensation is really given out to anyone who asks.

Now, when the rule was announced, I was very adamant that it came too early.
But once you've made your bed, you lie in it. You don't get to say "actually, I like the old bed better after all, forget about this new one and pretend we never bought it".

Officially, it's the UCI dispensating from the rules.

I think if you live in the US, it is like... beyond belief that countries can and do turn off the internet regularly.

When I was in Leh, India just turned off the internet to a region of 1.5 million people for no discernible reason and when I asked the locals were like "yeah that happens"

Crashing directly in front of what might be an old people's home?

Reasoned discussion and admitting wrongs? What is this?!

I once had a 🇩🇰 doctor use the term 'pocket pain' and didn't understand it. What he meant was I'd have to pay for the procedure myself, and that would hurt my pocket ... Medical professionals being unambiguous just makes sense!

I just LOVE how you called him "Lance Armstrong manager guy" instead.

Idk who did this comic but it's hilarious

Amstel Gold Race Ladies: Paula Blasi fights off strong chasers to upset the favourites and claim impressive solo victory www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/...

'You cannot jump after everything' – Demi Vollering can't continue FDJ United-Suez's winning streak after Amstel Gold Race chase gamble falls short www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/...

Smoooooth, Benoît Cosnefroy. #agr #procycling

Pidcock simply doesn't drink.