UCI Confirms New Continental Teams in US & South Africa Amid Declining Numbers
- The union Cycliste Internationale released its list of Continental teams for the 2026 season on Saturday, showing a significant decline in registered squads.
- Italy has the most men's Continental teams with 10, followed by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, each with seven teams.
- in 2024, Colombia had six teams, while North America contributed three from Canada and two from Mexico.
Continental team Numbers Drop for 2026 Season
The union Cycliste Internationale released its list of Continental teams for the 2026 season on Saturday, showing a significant decline in registered squads. There are 105 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams, representing a 46% drop in men’s registrations and a 27% reduction for women compared to the previous year.
Italy has the most men’s Continental teams with 10, followed by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, each with seven teams. Just two years ago, 178 men’s Continental teams were registered worldwide.
Several countries have seen their team numbers fall. in 2024, Colombia had six teams, while North America contributed three from Canada and two from Mexico. This year, none of those countries have registered Continental teams.
Though, the United States has bucked the trend, increasing its number of men’s Continental teams from five to seven over the past two years. Hagens Berman Jayco remains the longest-running growth squad with a UCI license.