Visma-Lease a Bike general manager Richard Plugge has addressed the main concerns fans have about the proposed One Cycling project and made a case for its implementation, saying that without change, the sport could face an existential threat within the next decade.

Escape Collective revealed last week that there is a high level of optimism among the sport’s stakeholders that One Cycling – a project designed to pit the best riders against each other more regularly, as well as overhaul the sport’s economic model – could be launched within a matter of weeks.

Part of the proposal, which would take effect from the 2026 season, involves a more streamlined calendar without overlapping races and more circuit finishes to enable ticketed entry, similar to the Tour of Flanders, which changed its route in 2017 to accommodate VIP areas. The project would also be funded by Saudi Arabia, to the tune of up to €300 million. Public reaction to the idea, however, has been overwhelmingly negative.

Speaking at his Visma team’s media day in La Nucia, Spain, Plugge, who has been leading One Cycling negotiations for more than two years, told Escape and other media, “I cannot say anything about what you’re talking about,” referencing the non-disclosure agreements that have been signed. He then proceeded to say quite a few things about the topic before offering a stark warning about cycling’s future.

This article was published on Escape Collective in January 2025. You can read the full article here.