As the world’s top cyclists compete in the 2016 World Track Championships in London this week, the Union Cycliste International (UCI) has confirmed that the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic, part of the world’s greatest festival of cycling, is on the shortlist to become the first British men’s race to attain World Tour status.

If successful, the race – founded in 2013 and already the world’s richest one-day Classic – will be awarded World Tour status for the three years 2017-19 inclusive.

The UCI will assess the 2016 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic on Sunday 31 July, looking at the technical quality of the race, its role in the strategic development of the UCI World Tour and other elements.

Prudential RideLondon Event Director Hugh Brasher said: “We are delighted that, in what would be only its fifth year, the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic could win World Tour status. It is a huge tribute to Race Director Mick Bennett and the team that the race is already at this level and we thank British Cycling for their support. We look forward to welcoming the UCI to London and Surrey in July.

“Our research has shown that the Prudential RideLondon festival of cycling has already inspired tens of thousands to take up cycling and hundreds of thousands to ride more often. World Tour status would inspire many, many more.”

Twenty-one events from four continents have applied for World Tour status.

UCI President Brian Cookson said: “We strongly believe that with the reform of men’s professional road cycling there is a great opportunity to grow the UCI World Tour with a number of new events, and create an environment where new investment can come into the sport. We are delighted to welcome such strong interest from around the world for the 2017 UCI World Tour and beyond and the fact that we have had so many applications from four continents is testament to the growing strength of the UCI World Tour brand.”