The UCI has unveiled an amateur cycling series to be launched in 2011 in a bid to find age-group world champions.

The UCI World Cycling Tour is a series of UCI-sanctioned races that will be held all over the world. The UWCT will comprise a maximum of 15 qualifier events, leading to the UWCT Final, the former UCI Masters Road World Championships.

The top 10 per cent in each age group of the qualifier events will automatically have the right to compete in the UWCT Final and race for the coveted rainbow jersey.

The series is part of the UCI’s bid to open up the sport to all riders, not just professionals. In order to host qualifier events, the UCI is currently receiving applications from regions willing to organise a high standard cycling event that will attract riders from all over the world.

“If we look at cycling as a pyramid, professional racing is at the very top and occupies a very small portion,” said UCI cycling for all, masters and sustainable development co-ordinator, Andrea Marcellini Mendonça.

“Everything that comes below this is the amateur side of the sport and involves impressive numbers of riders. These enthusiasts are part of the UCI family and it’s time for them to race for a world champion title.”