Stayer Motor-Paced Racing Will Return for 2027
The UCI plans to bring back the high-speed discipline to the 2027 Track World Championships.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Cycling
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The UCI will reintroduce stayer racing, a high-speed event where cyclists draft behind motorbikes, to the Track World Championships in 2027. This marks the return of the discipline to the global stage for the first time since 1994.
Why it matters
The UCI opted to bring back stayer racing due to its historical legacy and high-spectacle format, choosing it over derny racing for the upcoming championships. This decision highlights a renewed focus on traditional high-velocity track events despite lingering safety discussions among coaching staff.
The return of stayer racing to the 2027 Track World Championships ends a 33-year absence from the international program. While the UCI has established the event framework, the formal athlete qualification process remains under development.
The players
UCI
The Union Cycliste Internationale is the world governing body for sports cycling, overseeing international events and safety regulations.
The details
Stayer racing involves cyclists drafting closely behind specialized motorbikes, with speeds reaching up to 100kph. The motorbikes are fitted with a rear roller, allowing the rider to position their bike within inches of the machine to minimize wind resistance. The bicycles are specifically modified for this intensity, featuring 24-inch front wheels and reversed fork blades to accommodate the tight, high-speed maneuvering required.
Timeline
1994: Last inclusion of stayer racing in Track World Championships.
July 2026: UEC Track Stayer European Championships held in Italy.
2027: Stayer racing returns to the Track World Championships.
August 26-30, 2027: Scheduled dates for the track competition finals in Paris.
Health Landscape
This reintroduction marks a formal departure from the 33-year hiatus since the 1994 Track World Championships. It places the modern iteration of stayer racing alongside current professional cycling standards, where safety and equipment specifications remain heavily scrutinized.
Fans and participants should note that this high-velocity discipline involves speeds up to 100kph, raising distinct safety concerns that differentiate it from standard track racing. Discussing the technical demands and safety protocols of extreme cycling with a qualified coach or physician is recommended for those considering participation.
The takeaway
The return of stayer racing brings a high-intensity, historic discipline back to the international spotlight after three decades. Athletes and enthusiasts should monitor upcoming UCI bulletins for the finalized qualification criteria and evolving safety guidelines for the 2027 season.
What happens next
The UCI is expected to release the official qualification process for the 2027 Track World Championships in the lead-up to the event, which is currently slated to run from August 26 to August 30, 2027.
Further reading
For broader insights on competitive racing standards, visit our Cycling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cycling Weekly.
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