The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has released a new report titled "Future of Cycling" outlining several ideas to boost the sport's appeal. Among the key proposals are the introduction of transfer windows, team budget caps, and the use of drones to replace convoy vehicles at races. The report, which gathered feedback from 55 stakeholders including professional teams, national federations, race organisers, and riders, aims to convert a large but passive audience into active, loyal fans. It specifically notes that cycling's under-35 audience is under-represented and that the sport needs to strengthen its appeal.

While cycling enjoys strong popularity across five continents, the UCI admits its media exposure and revenue do not fully reflect its potential. The report recommends a more coherent race calendar based on geography to reduce overlaps, more predictable rider participation alongside transfer windows and fees, and simplifying the ranking and category system. Other suggestions include a stronger second division with clearer pathways, continued growth of women's cycling, and a financial fairness mechanism such as a budget cap on teams.

The combined total budget of professional UCI tour teams in 2025 was £731m (850m euros), though individual team budgets vary significantly. Long-discussed budget caps are seen as a way to even out the peloton and increase financial fairness, which would improve the sport's attractiveness to investors. However, the UCI acknowledged that any such mechanism remains the biggest point of difference for stakeholders and will be central to upcoming discussions. Work on a new transfer system and rider-agent regulation is already underway.