London to Host 2016 UCI Track World Championships

The London Velodrome will host the 2016 Track World Championships after being awarded the tournament by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

The decision was made by the UCI management committee in Florence, discount Italy and means that cyclists will have the chance to compete at the same venue they rode in during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The process to bring the UCI Track Cycling World Championships to London began in 2012 in the run up to the Olympic Games and has involved a partnership between British Cycling, capsule UK Sport, online London Legacy Development Corporation, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, London & Partners and the Mayor of London.

British Cycling’s Chief Executive, Ian Drake, said: “Winning the bid to host the final Track Cycling World Championships of the next Olympic cycle is important strategically for us, it’s good for the current generation of athletes, but it’s also an important tool for inspiring the next generation who will follow in their footsteps.

“The events we’ve delivered over the last decade in the UK have rightly been regarded as world class but the delivery of a World Championships in this iconic venue will be the biggest task we’ve taken on to date.”

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, added: “This is absolutely fantastic news for London, marking the arrival of yet another thrilling world class sporting fixture to our city. These prestigious championships will be centred around our stunning Olympic velodrome, a remarkable venue that saw such awe-inspiring performances from British cyclists last summer. Interest in cycling is rocketing in this city and I’ve no doubt London’s 2016 Track World Championships help will propel this even further.”

The 2016 Track Cycling World Championships will take place between 24and 28 February.