100 days before the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships kick off on 21 September, Zurich is ready for the first fully inclusive and integrative competitions. At a media event at the Sechseläutenplatz finish area, representatives from politics, associations and the Zurich 2024 Local Organising Committee emphasised the enormous appeal of the global cycling event in terms of inclusion, but also for tourism and business. The estimated 850,000 spectators from Switzerland and abroad can look forward to exciting races, an attractive supporting programme, various fan zones and other highlights.
Zurich 2024 will have a major impact on sport and society. “The 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships will be much more than just cycling races – they promote inclusion and togetherness,” said Cantonal Councillor and Sports Minister, Mario Fehr: “Thanks to the varied programme, these UCI Road Championships will be a cycling festival for the people of Zurich throughout the canton.”
These positive aspects were also emphasised by the head of the City of Zurich’s Department of Education and Sport, City Councillor Filippo Leutenegger: “In our everyday lives, we see time and again how powerful and integrative sport can be. The UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships in our city will make a great contribution in this respect.”
Quantum leap for parasport
With the UCI World Championships for road and para-cycling road being held together for the first time, all participants will be equally in the spotlight. “As top athletes, non-para athletes and para-cyclists are on an equal footing in terms of performance. Thanks to the UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships in Zurich, the numerous spectators along the racecourses and watching on television will also be able to appreciate this,” emphasised the CEO of PluSport Switzerland, Christof Baer.
Added value thanks to TV coverage and inclusion
“The attractive images from the live broadcasts of the UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships will generate a great deal of added value for Zurich,” emphasised Thomas Wüthrich, Director of Zürich Tourism. “This event also promotes barrier-free travel in the long term, as a lot of information on the accessibility of buildings and facilities has been collected.” In addition to accompanying measures, Zürich Tourism also supported the Mapathon initiated by the Sitios association, during which around 35 volunteers used the ginto app to collect accessibility data on buildings in the vicinity of the official zones at the end of May. This data is communicated via various channels and is available free of charge to all participants in and visitors to the global cycling event as well as the population of Zurich. This will also offer added value for guests and the local population beyond the UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships.
Supporting programme: medals, music and a mega atmosphere
The centrepiece of the global cycling event is Sechseläutenplatz, whose configuration for the event was presented in a 3D rendering. Here in particular, the various facilities will also be accessible or have elements that make it easier for people with disabilities to experience the UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships on site.
A varied supporting programme awaits the fans in addition to the finishes. On the big stage, the 66 UCI World Champions for road and para-cycling road will be honoured and celebrated with gold medals and rainbow jerseys. The Zurich 2024 ambassador Ritschi, singers from the Swiss cult group Plüsch, Tabula Musica and Crimer will entertain the audiences. Sign language interpreters will also be on hand at the Crimer concert on 21 September. Moreover, in July, LOC Zurich 2024 will announce another concert with a well-known Swiss singer.
“These events, as well as the broadcasts of the races on the big screen, exciting talks with various personalities and other cycling entertainment elements will create a great atmosphere,” said Gabriela Buchs, who is co-responsible for the supporting events on behalf of LOC Zurich 2024.
Official cycling jersey from Santini: uniquely designed and sustainably produced
The official cycling jersey for the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships also made its debut at the 100 Days To Go event. UCI Official Partner Santini came up with a unique idea: The designers of the Italian cycling clothing company recreated the traditional UCI rainbow with the icons of Zurich 2024, which represent well-known symbols from cycling and landmarks of the host region Zurich. The unisex event jersey is also sustainable, as it is made from 50% recycled fibres. The complete UCI World Championships merchandising collection from Santini can be ordered online from the end of June via the zurich2024.com website and purchased locally at various merchandising points of sale.
