UCI URBAN CYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURN TO ABU DHABI IN DECEMBER

Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), is set to host the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December, one of the final events of an action-packed sporting calendar in the UAE capital.

Taking place at Abu Dhabi’s Nation Towers from 17-21 December, the event returns to the city following a hugely successful 2022 edition, which was attended by thousands of spectators who were collectively captivated by the competitors’ dazzling repertoire of skills.

As a free-to-attend competition, the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships represents a fantastic way for people of all ages to enjoy a fantastic day out packed full of entertainment, and with the family-friendly 2024 Mother of the Nation (MOTN) Festival being held nearby, along the Corniche, the opportunity to enjoy two wonderful events is expected to generate a significant number of attendees.

The UCI Urban Cycling World Championships include competitions in two disciplines: BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland for Men and Women) and trials (Women Elite, Men Elite 20’’, Men Elite 26’’, Men Junior 20’’, Men Junior 26’’ and mixed team).

The competition is one of many set to take place in Abu Dhabi – including the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on 26 October - as part of the city’s bid to promote cycling. In addition, on 18-19 December, Abu Dhabi will host the 2024 UCI Mobility and Bike City Forum, the UCI’s annual conference dedicated to the promotion of sustainable and active mobility, and cycling’s contribution to the global sustainable development agenda. 

his Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Hosting the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships reflects the confidence of international sports federations and bodies in Abu Dhabi’s ability to dazzle, excel and be professional in organising the largest global sporting events for various types of sports, thanks to its infrastructure and national cadres who always strive for excellence.”

UCI President, David Lappartient said: “After an extremely successful event in 2022, I am delighted that we return to Abu Dhabi with the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships. The city provides a fitting setting for the spectacular urban disciplines of BMX Freestyle and trials, and with free entry to Nations Towers, the local population will have easy access to witness the best in the world in action.” 

The popularity of cycling continues to grow in the capital following the launch of Bike Abu Dhabi in 2021, a government initiative designed to spearhead the emirate’s long-term cycling ambitions and foster links between three critical elements for cycling growth: mobility, health and leisure, and sport.

Throughout Abu Dhabi, there are currently 300km of dedicated cycle tracks in locations including Al Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Wathba, Qasr Al Sarab and Yas Marina Circuit, home of the iconic Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The evolution of the sport has led to increased numbers taking part in multiple cycling disciplines, with road and track naturally proving popular, while more recently BMX Freestyle has attracted large numbers, undoubtedly aided by Abu Dhabi hosting the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in 2022.

This year’s edition will be the seventh instalment of the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships, with China (Chengdu) having hosted the first three events in 2017, 2018 and 2019, before it moved to France (Montpellier) in 2021. Abu Dhabi staged the competition in 2022 with the United Kingdom (Glasgow, Scotland) taking over in 2023.

Abu Dhabi’s hosting of this year’s event further strengthens its fast-growing reputation as an important cycling destination, both locally and on a global level. Looking further ahead, Abu Dhabi will also host the 2028 UCI Road World Championships, the 2028 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, and the 2029 UCI Track World Championships.

For more information about the 2024 UCI Urban World Cycling Championships, visit the official event website.