What Is 2024 UCI Women's World Tour
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Last updated: April 15, 2026
Key Facts
- The 2024 season features 28 races across 12 countries, up from 24 in 2023.
- Races began on February 10 with the Challenge by La Vuelta in Spain.
- The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is scheduled for July 27–August 4.
- 20 teams are registered as UCI Women's WorldTeams, each with 20–30 riders.
- The final race is the Tour of Guangxi on October 20 in China.
Overview
The 2024 UCI Women's World Tour represents the highest tier of professional women’s road cycling, sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It unites the most prestigious one-day races and stage events globally, showcasing elite talent and advancing gender equity in professional cycling.
With a record 28 events across four continents, the 2024 season marks a significant expansion in both participation and geographic reach. The calendar emphasizes competitive depth, offering equal points structures and prize money to promote fairness and visibility.
- 28 races are scheduled in 2024, including 15 one-day events and 13 stage races, making it the most extensive tour to date.
- The season kicks off on February 10 with the Challenge by La Vuelta in Spain, a multi-stage race designed to launch the competitive year.
- The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift returns from July 27 to August 4, spanning eight stages and attracting global media attention.
- 20 UCI Women's WorldTeams participate automatically, each required to maintain a minimum of 20 riders and up to 30 under new regulations.
- All events must comply with equal prize money standards, with a minimum of $10,000 for the winner of each race as mandated by the UCI.
How It Works
The UCI Women's World Tour operates on a points-based ranking system that determines the individual, team, and nation champions over the season. Races are categorized by difficulty and length, with higher points awarded for top finishes in marquee events.
- Points System: Riders earn points based on finishing position, with 500 points awarded to the winner of a stage race general classification and 200 for a one-day classic. Points decrease incrementally down to 100th place.
- Race Categories: Events are classified as WT (WorldTour) and further divided into 1.Pro and 2.Pro for stage and one-day races, determining point allocation and team invitations.
- Team Rankings: The UCI Women's WorldTeam standings aggregate the top five riders' points from each team, with the leading team receiving a bonus 50 points at season’s end.
- Individual Champion: The rider with the highest cumulative points by October 20 wins the overall title, a distinction currently held by Demi Vollering (2023).
- Wildcard Entries: While all 20 WorldTeams receive automatic entry, race organizers may invite up to five continental teams per event, promoting inclusivity and development.
- Anti-Doping Compliance: All teams must adhere to UCI and WADA protocols, including biological passport monitoring and unannounced out-of-competition testing throughout the season.
Comparison at a Glance
Comparing the 2024 Women's World Tour to previous years highlights growth in scale, equity, and structure.
| Category | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Races | 21 | 24 | 28 |
| WorldTeams | 15 | 15 | 20 |
| Minimum Prize Money | $5,000 | $7,500 | $10,000 |
| Top Individual Points | 4,399 (Annemiek van Vleuten) | 4,165 (Demi Vollering) | TBD |
| Longest Stage Race | 8 stages (Tour de France Femmes) | 8 stages | 8 stages (remains unchanged) |
The expansion from 21 races in 2022 to 28 in 2024 reflects the UCI’s commitment to gender parity and global outreach. The increase in WorldTeams and prize money underscores institutional investment in women’s cycling, while consistent stage lengths indicate strategic growth rather than overextension.
Why It Matters
The 2024 UCI Women's World Tour is more than a competition—it's a catalyst for change in sports equity, media representation, and athlete development. Its structure provides a stable platform for riders to earn livable incomes and gain international exposure.
- Increased visibility: Broadcast partnerships with GCN+ and Eurosport ensure live coverage of all 28 events, reaching over 100 million viewers globally.
- Economic impact: Host cities report an average 12% boost in tourism revenue during race weeks, particularly in rural areas like the French Pyrenees.
- Youth inspiration: Grassroots programs in Belgium, Italy, and Australia have seen a 35% rise in female junior participation since 2021.
- Sponsorship growth: Teams like SD Worx-Protime and EF Education-Cannondale secured multi-million-dollar deals, reflecting commercial confidence.
- Policy influence: The tour’s success has prompted national federations in Germany and Canada to increase funding for women’s programs by 2025.
- Legacy of stars: Champions like Annemiek van Vleuten and Marianne Vos continue racing in 2024, mentoring the next generation.
As the tour evolves, it sets a benchmark for professionalism in women’s sport—proving that with investment and structure, female athletes can achieve parity in performance, pay, and prestige.
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Sources
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