'It could kill off stage racing' - Dan Martin calls for changes to WorldTour relegation system

Dan Martin has added his voice to critics of the UCI's relegation system, with the former professional cyclist fearing for the future of stage racing under the current structure. Two existing WorldTour teams are set to miss out on a place in the top tier of the men's cycling structure for the 2023 season, with 20 teams applying for 18 licences.

Ad Israel Premier-Tech, who Martin spent his final two seasons in the professional peloton with, are one team due to be relegated after failing to accrue sufficient UCI points across the last three campaigns. Giro d'Italia‘A little smile on his face!’ – Yates closes on Bernal in GC as Martin wins Stage 1726/05/2021 AT 16:03 Sylvan Adams, owner of the team, has indicated that he will begin court proceedings if the UCI press ahead with their plans for relegation amid reports that the governing body may consider allowing an expanded top level peloton.

Martin, who retired at the end of 2021, believes that the current three-year cycle is too long, but thinks that a promotion and relegation system can work if it is done on an annual basis. «A relegation/promotion system could work in cycling to expand the number of teams but it has to be an annual process like in other sports, give teams the chance to rebuild or even develop quickly,» Martin «Have a good season and get in the WorldTour as reward.

Three years is too long.» Arkea-Samsic and Alpecin-Deceuninck have each indicated a willingness to step up from UCI ProTour level next season, and, crucially, earned sufficient points to do so. That leaves several established teams scrambling for late-season points to stave off relegation.