What Is 2021 UCI Women's World Tour

Overview

The 2021 UCI Women's World Tour represented the highest level of professional women’s road cycling, sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It featured a global calendar of one-day races and stage events, showcasing elite talent and increasing visibility for women’s cycling.

Compared to previous seasons, the 2021 tour saw a near-full return to pre-pandemic scheduling, with 23 events across 10 countries. The series awarded individual, team, and nation rankings based on accumulated points from race performances.

• 23 races were held in 2021, including classics like Strade Bianche on March 7 and the Tour of Flanders on October 2.
• Annemiek van Vleuten won the individual title with 2,720 points, over 400 points ahead of her nearest rival.
• Team SD Worx dominated the team classification, amassing 4,474 points and winning 12 of the 23 events.
• The tour included events in 10 countries, with the majority in Europe, plus races in Canada, the U.S., and China.
• La Vuelta Femenina, formerly known as the Ceratizit Challenge, returned as a multi-stage race and awarded 600 points to the winner.

How It Works

The UCI Women's World Tour operates on a season-long points system where riders and teams earn rankings based on race results. Points are distributed according to finishing positions, with more significant races offering higher point allocations.

• Points System: Riders earn points based on race finishes, with 500 points awarded to the winner of a one-day World Tour event and up to 600 for stage race winners.
• Team Classification: The sum of the top three riders’ points from each team determines the team ranking, which Team SD Worx led in 2021.
• Nation Ranking: The top three riders from each country contribute to the national standings, with the Netherlands topping the 2021 list.
• Event Categories: Races are classified as either one-day or stage events, with monuments like Paris-Roubaix offering maximum points.
• Eligibility: Only UCI Women’s WorldTeams (14 in 2021) and select wildcard teams can compete in World Tour events.
• Season Duration: The 2021 season spanned from March 7 to November 21, with events held across spring, summer, and fall.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top performers in the 2021 UCI Women's World Tour across key categories:

The Netherlands dominated both individual and national standings, reflecting the country’s strength in women’s cycling. Team SD Worx’s consistency across formats—cobbles, time trials, and mountains—gave them a decisive edge. The tour’s geographic diversity highlighted the sport’s global growth, though Europe remained the central hub for major events.

Why It Matters

The 2021 UCI Women's World Tour marked a pivotal year in the professionalization and visibility of women’s cycling, setting the stage for future expansion and equity.

• Increased media coverage for races like the Tour of Flanders reached over 2 million viewers on live broadcast.
• The season helped build momentum for the relaunch of the Women’s Tour de France in 2022 after a 14-year absence.
• Equal prize money was introduced at several marquee events, including Paris-Roubaix, promoting gender parity.
• Young riders like Emma Norsgaard and Lorena Wiebes emerged, signaling a generational shift in the peloton.
• The tour strengthened team sponsorships, with SD Worx and Trek-Segafredo securing multi-year deals.
• Global participation from nations like China and Canada demonstrated the sport’s widening competitive base.

With growing fan engagement and structural improvements, the 2021 season served as a benchmark for future growth in women’s professional cycling.