LONDON – Track cycling’s Champions League has been discontinued four years after its launch, which was initially celebrated as a revolutionary way to present the sport to a broader audience.
A joint statement on Monday from cycling’s governing body, the UCI, and media partner Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports confirmed that the 2024 season would be the final edition. WBD had originally committed to an eight-year partnership but stated it was now “re-defining” its involvement in promoting track cycling.
The UCI announced that the Track Nations Cup would be revitalized and rebranded as the Track World Cup starting in 2026. The collaboration with WBD will continue for the next three years, focusing on coverage of the new format.
“Over the next three years, we will focus on coverage of the UCI Track World Cup,” UCI president David Lappartient said. “I am confident that track cycling will continue to grow in popularity, leading up to and beyond the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.”
The UCI Track Champions League featured top endurance and sprint cyclists competing across multiple rounds in cities such as Palma, London, Berlin, and Paris between November and December. Points leaders in each category were crowned overall champions and awarded 25,000 euros.
With its dynamic light shows, music, and rapid format, the event aimed to attract new fans and enhance TV appeal. While the London rounds were highly successful with large crowds, other venues struggled to sell tickets. Only three hosts staged a Champions League round in 2024.
The abrupt end of the Champions League era came during the second London round in December when a severe crash involving Britain’s Olympic champion Katy Marchant led to the cancellation of the rest of the night’s program.
The revived UCI Track World Cup will consist of three rounds and feature Olympic events alongside the elimination race, a format that has resonated with the public. The series will play a crucial role in the qualification process for the world championships and the Olympic Games. The UCI is currently accepting bids for host cities for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 editions.