Guide to the 2024 UCI Road World Championships

When is the UCI Road World Championships 2024?

The UCI Road World Championships 2024 will take place from Sunday, 22 September 2024, to Sunday, 29 September 2024. The event features 12 thrilling races, divided as follows:

• 22 September 2024: Women’s and Men’s Elite Individual Time Trials
• 23 September 2024: Men’s Junior and Under 23 Individual Time Trials
• 24 September 2024: Women’s Junior Individual Time Trial
• 25 September 2024: Men’s Elite and Women’s Elite Team Time Trial Mixed Relays
• 26 September 2024: Women’s and Men’s Junior Road Races
• 27 September 2024: Men’s Under 23 Road Race
• 28 September 2024: Women’s Elite Road Race
• 29 September 2024: Men’s Elite Road Race

Alongside these main events, there will also be numerous road races and para-cycling contests from 21 to 29 September 2024, making it a packed week of competitive cycling.

Where is the UCI Road World Championships 2024?

This year, Zurich, Switzerland, is the host city for the UCI Road World Championships. This marks the fourth time Zurich has hosted the event, showcasing its picturesque landscapes and challenging terrains. The time trials will be held within the city, while the road races will traverse the stunning Alpine foothills, concluding in Zurich.

Zurich offers a mix of urban and natural beauty, providing a scenic backdrop for both competitors and spectators. The city’s infrastructure and rich cycling heritage make it an ideal venue for such a significant event.

Brief History and Main Storylines

The UCI Road World Championships have a storied history, with many memorable moments. One of the key highlights in recent years was in 2018 when Alejandro Valverde of Spain captured his first world title in a dramatic sprint finish. This victory solidified Valverde’s place among the sport's legends.

In 2023, the men’s road race was dominated by Mathieu van der Poel from the Netherlands. Despite a late crash, van der Poel secured his first road title, showcasing his resilience and tactical acumen. He will return in 2024 to defend his title on the challenging Zurich course, adding another layer of excitement.

For the women, Kasia Niewiadoma of Poland aims to improve on her past performances, having won a bronze medal in 2021. She will be a key contender on the hilly terrain of Zurich, which suits her strengths. Another rider to watch is Chloe Dygart from the USA, who seeks her third individual time trial world title after a triumphant return in 2023 following a severe injury.

UCI Road World Championships 2024 Routes

The routes for the 2024 UCI Road World Championships are designed to test the limits of the riders. The men’s road race spans 273.9 kilometres with a total elevation gain of 4,470 metres, making it one of the toughest courses in recent memory. Starting in Winterthur, the race takes a scenic yet gruelling route through the Alpine foothills before finishing with seven laps of a 26.8-kilometre circuit around Zurich. Each lap includes two major climbs and several smaller ascents, culminating in a flat sprint to the finish.

The women’s road race, though shorter at 157.6 kilometres, follows a similarly challenging route. Starting in Uster, the race includes four laps of the same city circuit, providing a demanding course for the elite women.

The individual time trials also present a stern challenge. The men’s time trial covers 46.1 kilometres with an elevation gain of 413 metres, while the women’s time trial is 29.9 kilometres. Both routes feature a series of short but tough climbs, testing the riders’ endurance and time-trialling skills.

More details of the routes and profiles for each of the 12 events during the UCI Road World Championships 2024 are available on the official Zurich 2024 website.

What to Expect at the UCI Road World Championships 2024

The UCI Road World Championships offer a unique spectacle, where riders compete in national teams rather than their usual trade teams. This format creates an intriguing dynamic, with teammates from different professional squads coming together to represent their countries.

Expect intense competition, particularly in the elite categories, where the stakes are highest. The challenging Zurich courses will favour strong climbers and versatile riders, adding an element of unpredictability to the races. The presence of emerging talents alongside seasoned professionals will provide a fascinating mix of strategies and racing styles.

Additionally, the Championships highlight the global nature of the sport, with participants from around 75 nations. This diversity enhances the event’s appeal, showcasing the best of road cycling talent worldwide.

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