What Is 2018 UCI Women's World Tour

Overview

The 2018 UCI Women's World Tour marked the third season of the premier international series for women's professional road cycling. Organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), it brought together the most prestigious one-day races and stage events globally.

This season aimed to elevate women's cycling through increased visibility, competitive depth, and structured rankings. With events spanning four continents, the tour highlighted growing global investment in women’s cycling.

• 24 races were held across 12 countries, including Belgium, Italy, and China, forming a season-long competition from February to October.
• The season opener was the Strade Bianche Women on February 24, 2018, a challenging 136-km race on gravel roads in Tuscany, Italy.
• The Giro Rosa, a 9-stage race in Italy, was the longest and most grueling event, covering over 900 kilometers from July 1 to 10.
• La Course by Le Tour de France returned as a single-day race on July 29, finishing on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
• The tour concluded with the Tour of Chongming Island in China on October 14, a three-stage race emphasizing sprinters’ capabilities.

How It Works

The UCI Women's World Tour operates as a season-long points competition, where riders earn points based on race results to determine individual, team, and nation rankings.

• Individual Ranking: Riders accumulate points across all events; Annemiek van Vleuten won in 2018 with 1,525 points, leading by over 300 points.
• Team Classification: Points from top two riders per team are summed; Mitchelton–Scott claimed the title with consistent performances across 12 events.
• Nation Ranking: The Netherlands topped the standings with 1,965 points, reflecting depth in elite female riders.
• Event Categories: Races were classified as 1.WWT (one-day) or 2.WWT (stage races), with points scaled accordingly.
• Points Distribution: Winners earned up to 500 points in major races, while lower placings received scaled rewards down to 1 point.
• Eligibility: Only UCI-registered Women’s WorldTeams and select national teams could participate in all events.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five riders in the 2018 UCI Women's World Tour individual standings.

This table highlights the competitive balance among top riders. Van Vleuten’s dominance came from stage race victories, while van der Breggen won key one-day classics. The tight points spread among the top five shows the depth of talent in women’s cycling during the 2018 season.

Why It Matters

The 2018 UCI Women's World Tour played a crucial role in advancing gender equity in professional cycling and increasing media exposure for female athletes.

• The tour helped secure equal prize money in several events, setting a precedent for future seasons and other sports.
• Major broadcasters like GCN and Eurosport provided live coverage, increasing viewership by over 40% compared to 2017.
• Teams invested more in women’s squads, with 10 UCI Women’s WorldTeams fielding full rosters and support staff.
• The inclusion of races in Asia and North America expanded the sport’s global footprint and fan engagement.
• Young riders like Annemiek van Vleuten and Demi Vollering gained international recognition, inspiring future generations.
• The tour’s structure laid the foundation for the 2020 UCI Women’s WorldTour reforms, including calendar expansion and anti-doping oversight.

By standardizing competition and rewarding excellence, the 2018 season marked a turning point in professionalizing women’s cycling and ensuring long-term sustainability.