'Teams will pay to race' - Teams face extra costs after UCI WorldTour participation rule change

The Lidl-Trek team lead the peloton earlier in the stage
The Lidl-Trek team lead the peloton earlier in the stage (Image credit: Getty Images)

The UCI's decision to oblige WorldTour teams to ride more of the top series races each season could leave teams significantly out of pocket, due to the high costs involved in international race travel. 

Lidl-Trek team manager Luca Guercilena told Cyclingnews that the new rule will force teams to 'pay to race' as costs for teams to travel to overseas races outstrip the usual perks race organisers provide for them. The rule could also give race organisers the upper hand in any race and start fee negotiations. 

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.