![\"David](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/tourofflanders2026-davidlappartient-69d39038ef489.jpg@webp.webp\")
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Lappartient warned that the concentration of elite riders within a handful of wealthy teams risks damaging the sport. \u201cTo keep the sport attractive and balanced, it is essential to prevent all the best riders from ending up on the same team.\u201d<\/p>\n
He revealed that the UCI spent more than a year developing a salary cap system that was ready to be introduced before it was rejected by the teams. \u201cWe worked very intensively on it for a year and a half, and such a salary cap system was ready to be implemented. But the teams voted against it. Even the smaller teams opposed it.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, according to Lappartient, implementing this system is urgent in order to make sure smaller teams can be competitive. \u201cWithout a salary cap, the richest teams will continue increasing their revenues and monopolising the best riders. It will become increasingly difficult for smaller teams to survive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although teams such as UAE Team Emirates-XRG continue to attract multiple star riders, Lappartient acknowledged that the arrival of major new sponsors has also strengthened the financial position of other squads including Tudor, Q36.5, Lidl-Trek and Decathlon CMA CGM. He added that one option previously discussed involved imposing significant financial penalties on teams exceeding an agreed spending limit.<\/p>\n
Six-rider Tour teams could create more unpredictable racing<\/p>\n
Beyond financial reforms, Lappartient also believes changes to the structure of the Tour de France could make racing more exciting. He questioned whether the current format of up to 23 teams with eight riders each still serves the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it really sensible to limit the Tour de France to 22 or 23 teams of eight riders each? That allows the strongest teams to control a 3,500-kilometre race from start to finish.\u201d<\/p>\n
Instead, he suggested increasing the number of participating teams while reducing squad sizes. \u201cWith 25 teams of six riders each, the race would become less predictable and far more spectacular.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposal runs counter to concerns previously raised by several teams, which have argued that increasing the size of the peloton could compromise rider safety.<\/p>\n
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David Lappartient at the 2026 Tour of Flanders<\/p>\n
Organisers must also be held accountable<\/p>\n
Lappartient also defended the UCI’s tougher approach towards race organisers, arguing that responsibility for rider safety extends beyond the teams.<\/p>\n