The move, confirmed this week by the International Cycling Union (UCI), will unite 28 of the biggest European races under one umbrella competition with the aim of obliging all major teams licensed by the UCI to take part.
The new-look tour will start as of next year and will host around 18 teams, rising to 20 by the following year. Any riders found guilty of drugs will see licences revoked.
Races to come under the Pro Tour banner will include the legendary Tour de France, plus the major Tours of Italy and Spain.
The existing UCI ranking system will also be scrapped – and replaced with a new version based on Tour success.
