RICHMOND, United States, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Cycling's world governing body UCI announced on Thursday that a new women's cycling tour starts next year.

The Women's World Tour, replacing the Women's Road World Cup, will run from March through September and China will host events of the 17-race tour that are contested over 35 days in nine countries and regions.

The top 20 professional teams will be invited to participate, much like the men's version of the WorldTour.