The UCI announced earlier today that they have decided to award a Women’s Under 23 UCI World Championship Title in the road race and time trial. It has been broadly rumoured that this would be the case but confirmation is now there that this further step towards equality is being taken.

The Management Committee of the UCI met from the 10-12th of February in Montreux, which marked the first meeting of the newly composed UCI Management Committee. The committee now comprises 6 women out of the 18 members.

The new U23 title will be introduced at the 2022 edition of the UCI Road World Championships, which will take place in Wollongong (Australia).

As a transitional measure for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 UCI Road World Championships the title will be awarded in the same event as the Elite title. The UCI have said this is for logistical reasons already in place.

From the 2025 edition which is due to be held in Kigali (Rwanda) a separate event will be organized for the u23 Women Category.

Voxwomen will have more reaction from riders on this move over the coming weeks.