Fewer athletes due to Covid force UCI to change team relay rules at Cyclo-cross Worlds

The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Fayetteville was held in October 2021
The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Fayetteville was held in October 2021 (Image credit: Rob Karman)

The UCI has altered its participation rules for the Team Relay test event held before the start of the Cyclo-cross World Championships at the Centennial Park venue in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Friday. 

Participation numbers are fewer than anticipated due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic forcing the sport governing body to reduce the number of riders per team from six to four, while also offering nations a chance to enter two teams of four riders.

Kirsten Frattini
Deputy Editor

Kirsten Frattini is the Deputy Editor of Cyclingnews, overseeing the global racing content plan.

Kirsten has a background in Kinesiology and Health Science. She has been involved in cycling from the community and grassroots level to professional cycling's biggest races, reporting on the WorldTour, Spring Classics, Tours de France, World Championships and Olympic Games.

She began her sports journalism career with Cyclingnews as a North American Correspondent in 2006. In 2018, Kirsten became Women's Editor – overseeing the content strategy, race coverage and growth of women's professional cycling – before becoming Deputy Editor in 2023.