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I do think that it is ok, to keep the competition alive, and having a "small" distance in points between 1st and the rest is healthy for the overall. And I also think that the guys that does not qualify should get some points, most of those are not in big teams, and do an effort to be there, some recognition would be good.

I think points are counted on a revolving calendar. Last years points are good for 12 months....so rider started the season with 300 pts and as we move through the year the points from last year drop off when they reach 12 months. \ There will certainly be some guys that will need to go race some national level UCI races in order to keep them / their team in points in order to qualify for next season. Anyone not keeping an eye on that now will be in a mad scramble come fall time to go race obscure races...

UCI world rankings are based on a yearly rolling total. So each month sees points added and taken away as they expire. The WC rankings I believe begin with the first race and end at the last.

I've mentioned this worrying trend in depth in a few podcasts over the course of last year. From last year they have hindered the ability of many top 50/60 riders to garner any points in qualifying. Pretty soon very few riders (even much less than now) will be able to rightfully enter a World Cup without being on one of the World Series top teams or federation entries. With the switch to the points now staying with the teams and not the riders this year there will even less power of advantage and bargaining for top riders. (Note if teams...