SD Worx apply for Women's WorldTeam licence in 2021

Women's WorldTour peloton
The Women's WorldTour peloton (Image credit: Getty Images)

The UCI has confirmed eight returning teams that have applied to register as Women's WorldTeams. SD Worx – currently known as Boels Dolmans – is the only new team that has applied for both a licence and registration, bringing the total number of top-tier teams to nine in 2021.

Women's professional cycling underwent reforms that were implemented at the beginning of the 2020 season. Part of those reforms included the introduction of a new two-tier team system – WorldTeams and Continental Teams.

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.