FDJ-Suez Claims Top Spot in Women’s WorldTeam rankings, ending SD Worx’s Reign
Table of Contents
- 1. FDJ-Suez Claims Top Spot in Women’s WorldTeam rankings, ending SD Worx’s Reign
- 2. A New Era Begins with Vollering’s Arrival
- 3. SD Worx-Protime’s Decade-Long Dominance Concludes
- 4. Key Performances Fuel FDJ-Suez’s Ascent
- 5. Investment Pays Off for FDJ-Suez
- 6. UAE Team ADQ Completes the Podium
- 7. Promotion and Relegation Shake-Up
- 8. The Future of Women’s Cycling
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. How did FDJ-Suez strategically accumulate UCI points to surpass SD Worx-Protime in the rankings?
- 11. FDJ-Suez Claims UCI World Team Ranking Crown, Ending SD Worx-Protime’s Five-Year Reign
- 12. The Rise of FDJ-Suez: A Season of Consistent Success
- 13. SD Worx-Protime’s Dominance Challenged
- 14. Understanding the UCI WorldTeam Ranking System
- 15. Key Races That Defined the 2025 Ranking Battle
- 16. The Impact of Rider transfers and team Dynamics
- 17. looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Cycling
October 22, 2025 – In a landmark moment for Women’s professional cycling, FDJ-Suez has ascended to the pinnacle of the UCI Women’s WorldTeam rankings, dethroning the previously dominant SD Worx-Protime after a four-year stretch of their leadership.This victory signifies a pivotal change in the sport’s competitive landscape.
A New Era Begins with Vollering‘s Arrival
The french team’s success is largely attributed to the strategic recruitment of demi Vollering, who also secured the number one position in the individual Women’s WorldTour rankings for 2025. FDJ-Suez accumulated a total of 12,490.51 points, surpassing SD Worx-Protime’s 11,115.13 points. Vollering’s eleven race wins throughout the year were instrumental in securing this historic achievement.
SD Worx-Protime’s Decade-Long Dominance Concludes
SD Worx-protime, which had consistently topped the UCI rankings since 2021 – with a brief interruption by Trek-segafredo in 2020 – saw its decade-long reign come to an end. While remaining a formidable force, the team now faces a more competitive field than in recent years. The changing dynamics are a direct result of significant team transfers and evolving strategies within the peloton.
Key Performances Fuel FDJ-Suez’s Ascent
Beyond Vollering’s exceptional performance,FDJ-Suez benefited from strong contributions from recent signings elise Chabbey,Juliette Labous,and Ally Wollaston. Each athlete accumulated over 1,500 UCI points, showcasing the team’s collective strength and strategic roster building.
Investment Pays Off for FDJ-Suez
This triumph reflects a considerable increase in investment in FDJ-Suez, which has grown from €400,000 in 2020 to over €4 million in 2025.This financial commitment has enabled the team to attract top talent and enhance its overall performance capabilities.
UAE Team ADQ Completes the Podium
Rounding out the top three in the UCI rankings was UAE Team ADQ, bolstered by the high-profile acquisition of Elisa Longo Borghini. this demonstrates a growing trend of teams strategically investing in star riders to elevate their competitive standing.
| Team | UCI points (2025) |
|---|---|
| FDJ-Suez | 12,490.51 |
| SD Worx-Protime | 11,115.13 |
| UAE Team ADQ | [Points not specified in source] |
Did You Know? The UCI WorldTour team rankings are based on points accumulated in UCI-sanctioned races, with higher-ranked events awarding more points. This system incentivizes teams to compete in major races and pursue consistent top performances.
Promotion and Relegation Shake-Up
2025 marked the culmination of a two-year period for Women’s WorldTour team promotion and relegation. EF Education-Oatly successfully secured a WorldTour license for the 2026-2027 seasons after a strong performance as a ProTeam, finishing 11th overall. Conversely, roland Le Devoluy is poised for relegation, finishing 18th in the standings.The disbandment of Ceratizit further complicates the license distribution, possibly reducing the number of available WorldTour licenses to 14 for the upcoming cycle.
Pro Tip: Understanding the UCI points system is crucial for both fans and teams. Consistently high finishes in major races are essential for maintaining a strong ranking and securing WorldTour licenses.
The Future of Women’s Cycling
The shift in the Women’s WorldTour rankings signals a broader trend toward increased investment and competitiveness in the sport. As more teams prioritize women’s cycling, we can expect to see continued growth, innovation, and thrilling competition. The ongoing evolution of team strategies and rider development will undoubtedly shape the future of the peloton. The increasing visibility of women’s cycling, driven by events like the Tour de France Femmes, continues to attract sponsors and fans, further solidifying its position within the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
- what is the UCI Women’s WorldTour?
The UCI Women’s WorldTour is the top-tier road cycling circuit for women, comprising a series of prestigious races around the globe.
- How are the UCI worldteam rankings determined?
The rankings are based on the points accumulated by teams and riders in UCI-sanctioned races throughout the season.
- Who is Demi Vollering?
Demi Vollering is a professional cyclist who currently rides for FDJ-Suez and finished 2025 as the top-ranked individual rider in the Women’s WorldTour.
- What does it mean for a team to be relegated from the WorldTour?
Relegation means a team loses its automatic qualification for the top-tier races and must earn its way back through the ProTeam ranks.
- Why is investment crucial for Women’s cycling teams?
Increased investment allows teams to attract top riders, provide better support staff, and invest in advanced training and equipment.
- How does the promotion/relegation system work in the Women’s WorldTour?
Teams are assessed over a two-year period, and those ranking high enough are granted WorldTour licenses for the following two years.
- What impact does the change have on the future of Women’s professional cycling?
The shift indicates a more competitive and evolving landscape, pushing teams to invest in talent and strategy to stay at the forefront.
What are your thoughts on FDJ-Suez’s victory? Do you think this signals a permanent shift in the balance of power in women’s cycling? Share your opinions in the comments below!
How did FDJ-Suez strategically accumulate UCI points to surpass SD Worx-Protime in the rankings?
FDJ-Suez Claims UCI World Team Ranking Crown, Ending SD Worx-Protime’s Five-Year Reign
For the first time in half a decade, SD Worx-protime doesn’t sit atop the UCI Women’s WorldTeam rankings. As of October 22, 2025, FDJ-Suez has officially dethroned the Belgian powerhouse, marking a meaningful shift in the landscape of professional women’s cycling. This achievement represents a culmination of strategic team building, consistent performance throughout the 2025 season, and a clear exhibition of the growing depth within the FDJ-Suez squad.
The Rise of FDJ-Suez: A Season of Consistent Success
FDJ-Suez’s ascent to the number one ranking wasn’t a sudden surge, but a carefully constructed campaign built on consistent results across major races. Key factors contributing to their success include:
* Strong Performances in Classics: Victories and high placements in Spring Classics like strade Bianche, Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix Femme avec Zwift provided a substantial points boost.
* Stage Racing Prowess: Consistent stage wins and overall classifications in stage races such as the Tour de france Femmes avec Zwift and the Vuelta a España Femenina where crucial.
* Depth of Talent: FDJ-Suez boasts a roster filled with world-class riders capable of competing for wins across various terrains, reducing reliance on a single leader. Notable riders contributing to the ranking include Marta Cavalli, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, and grace Brown.
* Strategic Point Accumulation: The team actively targeted races offering significant UCI points, maximizing their opportunities to climb the rankings.
SD Worx-Protime’s Dominance Challenged
SD Worx-Protime’s five-year reign (2020-2024) was characterized by unparalleled dominance in women’s cycling. Their consistent success was built on a foundation of:
* Star Power: Featuring riders like Demi Vollering, Lotte Kopecky, and Annemiek van Vleuten (until her retirement), SD Worx-Protime consistently had riders capable of winning the biggest races.
* Tactical Acumen: The team is renowned for its tactical intelligence and ability to control races.
* Financial Resources: Significant investment allowed them to attract and retain top talent.
However, even a team with such resources faced challenges in 2025. Injuries to key riders and increased competition from teams like FDJ-Suez, liv AlUla Jayco, and Canyon//SRAM Racing contributed to a more closely contested season.
Understanding the UCI WorldTeam Ranking System
The UCI WorldTeam ranking system is based on points awarded to riders based on their performance in UCI-sanctioned races. Here’s a breakdown:
* Points Allocation: Points are awarded to the top finishers in each race, with higher-ranked races (like Grand tours and World Championships) offering more points.
* Team Points: Points earned by riders contribute to a team’s overall ranking.
* Ranking Significance: The ranking determines qualification for major events and influences team prestige and sponsorship opportunities.
* Calculation Period: The ranking is calculated annually,based on performances throughout the calendar year.
Key Races That Defined the 2025 Ranking Battle
Several races proved pivotal in the battle for the top spot:
- Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift: FDJ-Suez’s strong showing, including multiple stage wins, significantly boosted their points total.
- Vuelta a España Femenina: Another stage race where FDJ-Suez demonstrated consistent performance, gaining valuable UCI points.
- UCI Road World Championships: Performances at the World Championships carry significant weight, and both teams fought hard for medals.
- Spring Classics: early-season Classics provided a crucial foundation for both teams, with FDJ-Suez gaining ground thru consistent top-10 finishes.
The Impact of Rider transfers and team Dynamics
The 2025 season saw several significant rider transfers that impacted the competitive landscape.The movement of riders between teams, like the signing of young talents by FDJ-Suez, contributed to a more balanced field and challenged SD Worx-Protime’s established dominance. Team dynamics and cohesion also played a role, with FDJ-Suez demonstrating a strong team spirit and collaborative approach.
looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Cycling
FDJ-Suez’s victory signals a new era in women’s cycling. The increased competition and depth of talent across multiple teams are positive signs for the sport’s continued growth. Key trends to watch include:
* Growing Investment: Increased sponsorship and investment in women’s cycling are attracting more talent and raising the overall level of competition.
* Expansion of Race Calendar: The addition of new races and the expansion of existing events are providing more opportunities for riders to showcase their skills.
* Focus on Development: Teams are increasingly investing in development programs to
