Big changes are on the horizon for professional cycling in 2026. The UCI has released the official list of teams applying for WorldTour and ProTeam licenses, revealing several significant changes.

As for the men's WorldTour, 20 teams have applied for the 18 available spots. Among the most notable new entries:

- The merger between Intermarché-Wanty and Lotto is being finalized, with the new team expected to operate under the Lotto license

- The Arkéa-B&B Hotels team will close its doors after the search for sponsors failed.

- Cofidis risks relegation as it has not met the necessary sporting criteria

These changes pave the way for the promotion of three new teams to the WorldTour for the 2026-2028 period. The most likely candidates are:

- Israel-Premier Tech (which will present itself as the Cycling Academy)

- Lotto

- Uno-X Mobility

In the women's sector, 16 teams applied for WorldTour licenses, but only 14 met the October 15th deadline. EF Education-Oatly and Cofidis are aiming to advance to the next level, but only the former appears to have a realistic chance, having finished the cycle in 11th place in the rankings.

In the ProTeam landscape, the number of teams is expected to reduce to 15 (from the current 17) with the arrival of two new teams: George Hincapie's Modern Adventure Pro Cycling and MBH Bank CSB Ballan.