article on world series site about changes to 2026 team selection/structure/points popped up.
there are some notable tweaks, like 2026 points not transferring, and top 10 teams getting a 2-year World Series Team status.
summary below
New qualifying process introduced in 2025:
A revised system determines which teams earn World Series Team status — guaranteeing them entry at every World Cup round.
Top tier structure:
- 40 World Series Team spots total
- 20 in Endurance
- 20 in Gravity
Ranking-based selection:
- Top 15 teams in each format of UCI team rankings automatically get World Series Team status
- Rankings based on combined points of each team’s top four scoring riders across all UCI-registered events
Wildcard spots:
- Five year-long wildcard team spots per format are awarded (total 10)
- Wildcards selected by UCI and WBD Sports using a scoring matrix
- Teams and riders can also enter individual rounds via round-by-round wildcard entries or through rider individual rankings
Points calculation change for 2026:
- In 2026 points will not transfer with riders to their new teams (unlike 2025)
- Reduces off-season ranking manipulation
Licensing duration varies by rank:
- For the upcoming season, teams ranked 1–10 get a two-year license
- Teams 11–15 receive one-year licenses
- previously all top 15 got one-year licenses
Registration requirement:
Being ranked high enough only invites a team to become a World Series Team — they must still accept and complete official registration.
the 2 year licensing was in the current regulations. top 10 teams in 2025 get 2 years ( 2026 and 2027), top 10 teams in 2027 will get 3 years ( 28,29 and 2030). teams ranked 11-15 will only get 1 year status in all those years. The WB contract runs out in 2030 so who knows what will happen after that.
Noticed that they've added points for jrs at Continental and National Champs.
"Rankings based on combined points of each team’s top four scoring riders across all UCI-registered events"
Does this mean DH and enduro points are both valid for a team? Could something silly like snow biking also add points for a gravity team?
the snow biking world champ points already counted towards a dh riders points.
How many UCI points is snow bike WC really worth. Now that I typed that I’m going to assume it’s a lot 😂
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