The change was approved at the Professional Cycling Council’s (PCC) second meeting of the year in Geneva.

It is hoped the reduction in riders will assist in efforts to ensure the safety of the peloton, which will now have a maximum size of 176.

The maximum size is also intended for other races in the UCI WorldTour and the continental circuits, with regulations to put this into effect due to be submitted shortly.

A review of recent test of a revised protocol for the calculation of time gaps in stages, which were expected to have bunch sprint finishes, at the Tour de Suisse was also conducted.

Under the revised protocol, changes in the time gap for a split in the peloton were increased to three seconds, rather than one.

The change is designed to reduce the increased stress and risk brought about during Grand Tour bunch sprints, with general classification hopefuls seeking to avoid losing crucial seconds and potentially crowding the sprinters.

It is hoped the change will retain the sporting integrity of the sprint and stage, with the protocol now set to be tested at the Tour de France, which begins on July 1.

The 2018 edition of the three week Grand Tour has also been moved back, with the PCC agreeing to the change to avoid a clash with the FIFA World Cup.

Racing had been due to take place from June 30 to July 22, but the race will now be held from July 7 to 29.

The FIFA World Cup in Russia will take place from June 14 to July 15.

The UCI have also stated the 2018 WorldTour calendar was high on the agenda at the meeting, with the Abu Dhabi Tour being granted an extension for next year’s race.

“Following the success of new events coming into the series in 2017, the calendar for 2018 is substantially the same,” the UCI stated.

“The success of the Abu Dhabi Tour has led to the extension of this race to five days for 2018 as it continues its place as one of the early season UCI WorldTour races before the series moves to Europe.

“The full UCI men’s road calendar, including races at HC, Class 1 and Class 2 levels, will be published in September.”

The governing body also stated organisational requirements for both organisers and teams will shortly be published.

A challenge system envisaged as part of the development of the WorldTour is now set to be put into effect from the 2020 season onwards.