What is a neo-pro in cycling?
A neo-pro is a rider in their first professional season or seasons, usually after signing a first contract with a WorldTeam or ProTeam. UCI rules apply a lower minimum salary to neo-professionals than to other riders.
The UCI defines a neo-professional by age and by being new to a professional team. The reduced neo-pro minimum is meant to apply only for a limited period at the start of a career; after that, the standard minimum applies.
In the men's WorldTour, the 2026 minimum for an employed neo-pro was reported at €35,721 gross, against €44,150 for other employed riders. In the Women's WorldTour the employed minimums are €31,768 for neo-pros and €38,000 for other riders. Minimums for self-employed riders are higher.
In practice, many neo-pros earn the minimum or close to it. Exceptions are riders with strong junior or under-23 results, for whom teams compete and pay more. A neo-pro contract is often two years, giving the rider time to adapt and the team time to judge.
Our neo-pro salary page explains typical first contracts. On every rider page we mark neo-pros separately, because their salary is driven more by the market for young talent than by results.