The French region of Haute-Savoie will become the epicenter of world cycling between August and September 2027, when it will host the second unified edition of the UCI World Cup.
After the resounding success of the first edition held in Glasgow in 2023, the International Cycling Union (UCI) intends to go even further, with an event that will bring together 20 disciplines in 12 venues, promising to be the most ambitious event in cycling history.
“We have a region blessed by the gods for cycling,” UCI president David Lappartient told Cyclismactu. “We are going to live extraordinary cycling moments.”
The idea of grouping all cycling disciplines into a single quadrennial event was initially met with skepticism. “When I came up with this idea, no one was convinced, almost only me,” Lappartient confessed.
Despite resistance and logistical difficulties – such as the different calendars and specific needs of each specialty – the vision persisted. “Precisely because it seemed impossible, we decided to do it.”
The first edition in Glasgow served as validation of the concept. Over ten days, more than 7,000 athletes competed in front of a million spectators, with a record global audience and such iconic champions as Mathieu van der Poel and Lotte Kopecky. The formula worked, and now the UCI is aiming higher.
Haute-Savoie 2027 will expand the range of competitions from 13 to 20 disciplines. Gravel, e-sports, enduro mountain biking, pump track and junior track will be added to those already known. In addition, two new specialties will make their world debut: indoor sprint cycling and bike polo.
The UCI expects the participation of all 205 affiliated nations, which would make the event the cycling competition with the largest national representation in history. “It will be an unprecedented logistical and sporting challenge, but we are convinced that Haute-Savoie is up to it,” said Lappartient.
The event will take place in multiple locations in southeastern France, in a privileged natural environment. Cities such as Les Gets, Annecy, Cluses, Châtel and Sallanches will be part of the competitive map. The Rochexpo exhibition center in La Roche-sur-Foron will host the indoor cycling, speed and bike polo events.
However, the track events will be held outside Haute-Savoie, at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome in the Paris region, due to delays in the infrastructure planned at the original venue. “It is the Olympic and national velodrome, and it makes perfect sense for it to host the World Championships in France,” Lappartient said.
One of the most anticipated moments will be the elite men’s and women’s road race. Both will be contested between Sallanches and Domancy, on the same mountainous course where Bernard Hinault was crowned world champion in 1980.
The men’s race will have 265 km and 5,700 meters of accumulated elevation gain, while the women’s race will feature 3,500 meters of elevation gain. “When I spoke to Hinault, he told me: ‘I hope it will be on the same circuit, and that it will be 20 laps.’ So that’s how it will be. We want a legendary race,” Lappartient explained.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the UCI sees this format as a pillar of cycling’s future. Lappartient sees it as cycling’s equivalent of the Olympic Games: a grand celebration that brings together all disciplines and expands promotional, visibility and marketing opportunities for the sport. “These grouped World Championships will be a key element of world sport, not just cycling,” he sentenced.
Complete 2027 World Cup list and venues
– Road: Sallanches – Domancy, Pays du Mont-Blanc (racing), Lac d’Annecy (time trial) time trial)
– Paracycling Road Rumilly
– Gran Fondo: Thônes – La Clusaz, Massif de Aravis
– Track (Elite, Junior & Paracycling): Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
– Mountain Bike (XCO, XCM, DH, Enduro): Les Gets & Grand Massif
– Pump Track: Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny
– BMX Racing: Annecy
– BMX Freestyle (Park & Flatland): Cluses
– Races: Sallanches, Mont-Blanc Country
– Indoor Cycling (Artistic & Cycle Ball): Rochexpo, La Roche-sur-Foron
– Cycling Sports: Évian-les-Bains
– Gravel: Châtel, Portes du Soleil
– Indoor Cycle Speed & Bike Polo: Rochexpo, La Roche-sur-Foron
Source: www.ciclismoaldia.es