The men’s Tour de l’Avenir is changing its format. Starting this year, progress squads from professional teams will be allowed to compete in the race, which is a major event for amateur and under-23 riders.
The race,known as a ‘young rider’s Tour de France,’ has seen past winners like Greg LeMond,Miguel Indurain,Egan Bernal,and Tadej Pogačar. Since 2007, it’s been contested by national teams.
This year, organizers A-VELO asked the UCI to classify the race as 2.2U. This means Continental development teams can now participate alongside national teams.
“This change in participation rules fits with how cycling is today,” the organizers said in a statement on thursday. “Professional teams are investing in young riders by creating development teams, which are critically important for the UCI WorldTour.”
“The Tour de l’Avenir will continue to find talent, whether they’re on a national team or a professional team.”
This news follows the UCI’s decision to end the under-23 Nations’ Cup series, favoring races led by development teams. UCI president David Lappartient initially said the Tour de l’Avenir would remain an exception for national teams, but that’s now changed.
The Tour de l’Avenir Femmes, which started in 2023, will likely continue with national teams for now, as there aren’t many women’s U23 development teams.
The 2026 men’s Tour de l’Avenir will be held from August 19-27, though the route hasn’t been announced yet. Recent winners Isaac Del Toro, Joseph Blackmore, and Paul Seixas won’t be competing, as they’re now racing on WorldTour teams.
The race began in 1961 and has changed over time. It was once open to professionals and,after 1992,to riders under 25. Since 2007, it’s been part of the UCI Nations Cup, with riders aged 18-22 competing on national teams.
A-VELO confirmed that 10 WorldTour development squads will participate in 2026, including teams from Ineos Grenadiers, Soudal-QuickStep, and Visma-Lease a Bike. The list of national teams will be released later.
