The 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships put cycling at the centre of attention. With the “lighthouse”, the world championships, and above all through the various accompanying measures, the three hosting entities, the City and Canton of Zurich and Swiss Cycling, are specifically promoting cycling, sports and tourism/location, thus leaving a special legacy.
The Zurich 2024 Local Organising Committee has developed a wide range of accompanying measures. Starting with the Züri Velo Cup, which was launched as the first initiative in 2023, they range from the organisation of the first national cycling forum (planned for May 2024) to helping to define a new standard for the construction of a compact bike infrastructure that can be implemented throughout Switzerland. In addition, as of September 2023, Swiss Cycling has created a new position with the aim of promoting young cyclists in the Zurich region – a project with pilot character for other regions as well.
The accompanying measures are already showing the first signs of success. Since its launch in May 2023, the Züri Velo Cup has attracted over 1,000 cyclists to sections of the legendary one-day classic Züri Metzgete. In September, 41,000 cyclists benefited from the extension of the SlowUp route from Zurich to Meilen.
Starting locations are also active. For example in Uster, where top athletes lead a lesson under the label “Stars in the School”, with for example, Swiss ex-cyclist Franco Marvulli who practised with various school classes on the pump track.
Further projects will be launched in 2024. Among other things, curated routes will connect the greater Zurich region and invite visitors to one-day or multi-day experiences – all year round. The routes are presented with GPX data, descriptions, photos and videos and are suitable for a wide range of users. Families or city bikers will get their money’s worth as well as gravel fans and para-cyclists. A dedicated website will facilitate the planning of bike rides and simplify activities for organisers, tour operators and bike clubs.
