The 2024 UCI Road & Para-Cycling Road World Championships, held from September 22 to 29 in Zurich marked a historic moment in international cycling. It was the first time that the UCI combined elite and junior cycling races with para-cycling events in the same championship, reinforcing a message of inclusivity, equality, and the integration of para-athletes into mainstream sporting events.
A Impactful Celebration of Cycling & Inclusion
With a lineup of 53 races across two disciplines—road races and time trials—this edition of the UCI championships was one of the largest ever, drawing nearly 1,000 cyclists from around 75 countries for the cycling events and 300 para-athletes from 50 nations for the para-cycling competitions. The event concluded at the iconic Sechseläutenplatz in Zurich, which drew nearly 850,000 spectators and captivated over 300 million viewers worldwide.
The defining feature of the event was its inclusive approach. For the first time, para-cycling professionals competed alongside elite cyclists, symbolizing the event’s commitment to equality and accessibility. This integration sent a powerful message about the importance of inclusion in sports, as para-athletes competed on the same course, finishing at the same venue.
UCI left a lasting legacy in Zurich, not only sports wise but also in terms of infrastructure and community engagement. In preparation for the event, Zurich upgraded cycling facilities, cycling routes, and support services to meet international standards. These improvements have enhanced the city’s cycling infrastructure, benefiting local riding communities and reinforcing Zurich’s position as a top destination for cycling tourism.
Zürich Tourism used UCI as an opportunity to enhance tourism services and promote Zurich’s bike-friendly image worldwide. Initiatives such as the Zürich Card Bike (bike rental included in the city pass) and cycling routes on Komoot app improved access to the city and its recreational areas, allowing visitors to explore both urban and natural settings with ease. For those less interested in the race itself, alternative activities showcased Zurich’s appeal beyond cycling. This influx of international visitors, along with substantial media exposure, not only boosted Zurich’s reputation as a cycling destination but also brought long-term economic benefits that will continue to attract tourists in the future.
Vanessa Reis, Director of Zurich Convention Bureau, said: “Beyond the technical successes of the championships, the event will be remembered for its awesome efforts to make para-cycling more visible and respected. The championships provided equal exposure for para-athletes, with many events broadcasted live to millions of viewers around the world.”
Zürich Tourism also contributed to this effort by organising a Mapathon, aimed at improving the accessibility of key locations in the city for people with disabilities. The data gathered from this initiative was shared publicly through platforms like the Ginto App, reinforcing Zurich’s commitment to inclusivity.
Community Engagement
In line with Switzerland’s broader goals of promoting sustainable and active lifestyles, the championships emphasised sustainability. Zürich Tourism worked closely with the local organisation committee of UCI to ensure that the event not only promoted cycling as a competitive sport but also encouraged recreational cycling and eco-friendly transportation. A series of community activities, including roadshows and cycling safety workshops, fostered local engagement and a greater appreciation for cycling.
The ‘Together We Ride’ campaign, which ran alongside the event, exemplified the community spirit, encouraging schools, cycling clubs, and local volunteers to participate. This grassroots involvement ensured that the championships left a lasting cultural imprint on Zurich, embedding cycling even deeper into the city’s lifestyle.
A national event dedicated to advancing cycling culture and infrastructure in Switzerland, Veloforum, was also held in Zurich on May 23, 2024. Organised as part of UCI it gathered experts in mobility, urban planning, technology, and sports to discuss the future of cycling in both everyday and recreational contexts. Supported by the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) and local partners, the event aimed to explore solutions for making Swiss cities more bike-friendly and to encourage sustainable transportation.
“The 2024 UCI Road and Para-Cycling Road World Championships offer a powerful example for association meetings, particularly in terms of inclusivity and legacy-building”, concluded Reis. Associations can draw inspiration from these elements, ensuring their own events foster not only meaningful connections but also lasting legacies for the host destination and its communities.
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