Important new innovations regarding the future of European Cycling were discussed by the Union Européenne de Cyclisme Management Board which met yesterday afternoon in Valkenburg (Netherlands).
During this meeting, the acting UEC President, Rocco Cattaneo, reported on the last few months during which he has lead the Continental Confederation (Mr Cattaneo was appointed UEC President last September following the election of David Lappartient as UCI President) and formulated the guidelines for 2018-2021.
The most innovative proposal, unanimously approved by all Management Board members is regarding the reform of the Road European Cycling Championships that will be applied from the 2019 edition.
In order to make races more spectacular and exciting for the general public and press, races will take place on shorter circuits and the number of kilometres will be reduced. For Time-Trial events, a unique circuit will be proposed for all categories (same distance for all categories). Here are the details:
Time trial Women Juniors : 20-30 km
Time trial Women Under 23 : 20-30 km
Time trial Women Élite :20-30 km
Time trial Men Juniors : 20-30 km
Time trial Men Under 23 : 20-30 km
Time trial Men Elite : 20-30 km
Road race Women Juniors : 50-70 km
Road race Women Under 23 : 70-100 km
Road race Women Elite : 100-120 km
Road race Men Juniors : 100-120 km
Road race Men Under 23 : 120-150 km
Road race Men Elite : 150-180 km
The Management Board also unanimously approved other proposals such as the plan to create a race circuit for E-bikes (Mountain Bike and Road) which will be named UEC Formula E-Bike. In this respect, initial contacts will soon be made with leading technicians and manufacturers in the assisted mobility market in order to examine the regulatory aspects.
Furthermore, in order to ensure the greatest visibility of sponsors, some changes to the European champion jersey were approved.
At the end of the meeting, the acting President, Rocco Cattaneo, in view of the electoral Congress in Istanbul (Turkey) that will be held on 11 March 2018, affirmed his wish to serve European Cycling until 2021.
Rocco Cattaneo, Union Européenne de Cyclisme President: «We have come out of this Management Board meeting with numerous new innovations which are designed for all parties involved in our sport, from the athletes to the public and press as well as those who believe and invest in cycling.
We are aware that cycling is undergoing a period of radical change and our main objective must be to reach as many fans, athletes and others that we can, also thanks to the great support of television.
The reform of Road cycling approved yesterday will revitalise our sport. Without affecting the appeal of the tradition of European cycling, we will make it more accessible to even more people which will be beneficial to all National Federations.
Finally, I would like to thank all Management Board members for their significant contribution in studying and drawing up these proposals and above all for the spirit of harmony and solidarity they have shown over the last few months.»
