Cycling news – Men and women to race together at 2019 World Championships

The new event, replacing existing team time trials, will feature three men and three women. Previously, they provided a chance for UCI-registered teams, but the focus will now shift to national teams.

UCI hope the change will help boost women’s cycling and "increase the attractiveness" of the World Championships.

"The mixed relay team time trial reserved for national teams is the latest step towards greater gender equality in cycling," said UCI president David Lappartient.

"The new format will shine the spotlight on the national federations and their riders while promoting equality between men and women."

The 2019 World Championships take place from September 21-29.

Each team starts with three male and three female riders.

First, the men complete a lap of the course, handing over to the women when their second rider crosses the line. The women then race the same route, with the team’s time taken when their second rider finishes. Simple...