Key Takeaways:
– Tudor Pro Cycling and Uno-X Mobility vie for the 22nd spot at the 2025 Tour de France.
– RCS Sport and ASO have potentially requested an additional wildcard for the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España respectively.
– UCI’s Professional Cycling Council is responsible for the final decision on additional team invite.
– A 23rd team invite could lead to safety and logistical challenges.
– ProTeams like Tudor Pro Cycling and Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team compete for the 22nd placement at the Giro d’Italia.
The Ongoing Struggle for the 22nd Spot in Grand Tour 2025
The Grand Tour 2025 wildcard invitations are stirring up excitement and competition as teams such as Tudor Pro Cycling and Uno-X Mobility contend for the coveted 22nd placement in the Tour de France. Another ongoing battle is between Tudor Pro Cycling and Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, both vying for the same spot at the Giro d’Italia. The resolution to this struggle may lie in the proposed addition of a 23rd team.
Potential Expansion of Team Numbers
To dissipate the tension and provide more chances for participation, a possibility is being considered – to increase the number of participating teams to 23. This decision, however, could lead to additional safety concerns and logistical issues. Larger pelotons in the Grand Tour increase the potential for crashes, highlighting safety as a central concern.
The governing body for cycling, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has previously allowed an extra team to participate. However, they generally prefer not to make exceptions to their rules, which could undermine the existing selection process. If they permit a 23rd team, that team may have to shoulder the costs for their hotels and race expenses.
UCI’s Role and the Wildcard Request
The final decision on this matter rests with the UCI’s Professional Cycling Council. Authorities such as RCS Sport have supposedly asked the UCI to grant an extra wildcard for the Giro d’Italia. Similarly, ASO is believed to have requested the same for the Vuelta a España.
Recently, RCS Sport announced wildcard invites for Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Milan-San Remo, which included both Tudor and Q36.5. They, however, stated that wildcard entries for the Giro d’Italia would be disclosed at a later date.
Impact on Teams and Riders
At the moment, the 18 WorldTour teams automatically receive invites to the three Grand Tours. The highest performing ProTeams in 2024 will also receive similar invites. Additional teams, like Lotto and Israel-Premier Tech, are expected to join the Tour de France start list, alongside the French ProTeam TotalEnergies.
Uno-X Mobility has previously participated in the Tour de France through wildcard invitation. But this year, Julian Alaphilippe’s signing seems to give Tudor Pro Cycling an edge of confidence about securing a spot.
The Final Battle and Outcomes
At the Giro d’Italia, Italy’s ProTeams Polti VisitMalta and VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè are likely to secure wildcard places. This leaves Q36.5 and Tudor Pro Cycling contending fiercely for the 22nd spot.
The addition of a 23rd team could potentially dissolve this conflict. However, the final decision is in the hands of the Professional Cycling Council of the Union Cycliste Internationale. This potential wildcard may represent a significant turning point for professional cycling, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the sport.