'It's the UCI ranking at the end of the season that counts' - Fabian Cancellara pushes for extra momentum to Tudor's injury-blighted chase for 2027 WorldTour invitations

Tudor Pro Cycling has made significant progress in the battle for 2027 WorldTour invitations, moving back into the top three of the UCI team rankings following a strong showing at the Giro d’Italia. The team currently trails leaders Pinarello-Q36.5 and Cofidis but has edged ahead of Unibet Rose Rockets, with a points tally that reflects their consistent performances throughout the season. Despite this positive momentum, Tudor faces a tough, season-long contest to secure automatic Wild Card entries to all WorldTour races, including the prestigious Tour de France. Fabian Cancellara, Tudor’s owner, emphasised the importance of the season-ending UCI ranking rather than individual race wins in securing WorldTour invitations. He highlighted that consistent point-scoring across events is crucial, as victories alone do not guarantee a place in the top-tier races. Cancellara praised the team’s efforts at the Giro, where Michael Storer and young French rider Mathys Rondel both delivered solid performances, finishing seventh and 11th overall respectively. Their aggressive racing style and ability to challenge the general classification underscored Tudor’s dual focus on results and rider development. The team’s campaign has been hampered by a spate of injuries and illnesses to key riders, including Stefan Küng, Marc Hirschi, Julian Alaphilippe, and Matteo Trentin. Küng is recovering from a fractured femur, Hirschi has faced multiple crashes and collarbone fractures, while Alaphilippe has been prioritising his health after a difficult Ardennes Classics season. These setbacks have delayed Tudor’s ability to accumulate points as planned, with Cancellara acknowledging that the team currently lags behind its winter projections due to these unforeseen challenges. Looking ahead, Tudor remains hopeful that its leaders will regain fitness in time for the Tour de France and the remainder of the season. Cancellara stressed the need for patience and resilience as the team navigates the ups and downs of professional cycling. With a clear strategy focused on growth and consistent performance, Tudor aims to strengthen its position in the rankings and secure its place among the elite teams in the coming years. The team’s ambition remains undimmed despite recent difficulties, reflecting a long-term vision for success on the WorldTour stage.