Cycling: The Hammer Series - that's the name of the new racing series of the Velon team association. With an interesting team-based concept, fan-friendly measures and funding independent from the UCI, this announcement should cause quite a stir in the cycling world.
Exciting news this Wednesday afternoon. The Velon team association, to which 12 of 18 WorldTour teams belong, announced the Hammer Series, its own racing series that is independent of the UCI. Cycling insiders had been expecting this step for a long time and it should cause some concern at the world association UCI. The Hammer Series breaks new ground in many ways.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHhNWIkWy-U
Basic concept The Hammer Series
- Team-based competition in teams of 5
- Three disciplines over three days: Hammer Sprint, Hammer Climb and Hammer Chase
- Independent of UCI: Income goes directly to the teams
- Spectator-friendly due to short rounds in all competitions
The Hammer Series races are held over three consecutive days. The participating teams will send a total of seven drivers to the race, five of whom will start each day. The Hammer Series is a team competition: you win and lose as a team, and there is no prize money for individual drivers either. Three disciplines over three days decide victory or defeat.
Day 1: Hammer Sprint
Approx. 10km long circuit with a flat profile
10 laps to drive
Points for the top 10 at the end of each round
Day 2: Hammer Climb
Same basic structure as Hammer Sprint
The destination is at the end of a mountain finish
Day 3: Hammer Chase
The score from the previous days will be converted into starting order
Team pursuit on time trial bikes
50km circuit
The team whose fourth driver crosses the finish line first with the VR wins
Cycling for the fans
Particular value is also placed on offering fans a great cycling experience on site. The race format with short laps and exciting decisions several times a day contributes a lot to this, and every event of the Hammer Series is to be accompanied by a small festival area. Live rider data such as speed, performance and pulse of the participating riders can be tracked online and the GoPro action cams on the bikes should provide spectacular insights.
Kick-off in Limburg in June
The first Hammer Series event will take place from June 1st to 4th in Limburg, The Netherlands. Velon emphasizes that they are already working on further dates and are (still?) taking the UCI racing calendar into account. Nevertheless, this new racing series should cause a stir at the UCI: With the support of many WorldTour teams and a fresh, exciting and fan-friendly racing format, sooner or later you will be in direct competition with the world association. The fact that the teams have a much greater say and also benefit financially from the races could become a problem for the UCI in the long term.
Participating Teams
15 teams have already confirmed their participation in the Hammer Series – more are to follow in the coming months
Aqua Blue Sport (IRE)
Bahrain-Merida Pro Cycling Team (BAH)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Cannondale-Drapac Professional Cycling Team (USA)
Quick Step Floors (BEL)
Lotto Soudal (BEL)
Movistar Team (ESP)
ORICA – SCOTT (AUS)
Sport Vlaanderen – Baloise Pro Cycling Team (BEL)
Team Lotto NL Jumbo (NED)
Team NIPPO Vini Fantini (ITA)
Team Sky (GBR)
Team Sunweb (GER)
Trek - Segafredo (USA)
UAE Team Emirates (UAE)
Leave a Comment