'A tremendous catalyst for competitive cycling and everyday bike riding' – India to host UCI Road World Championships for first time in 2032

The UCI Road World Championships will be held in India for the first time in 2032, announced on Wednesday evening in Canada. The decision was made during a meeting of the UCI Congress at the current Worlds in Montréal. The world's most populous country will host the prestigious cycling event in Pune, Maharashtra. Pune will be the first city in Asia to host the World Championships, following Abu Dhabi in 2028, Japan in 1990, and Qatar in 2016.

Ahmedabad, also in India, is currently a frontrunner for the 2036 Olympic Games. UCI President David Lappartient, an IOC voting member, played a crucial role in securing the host status for Kigali, Rwanda, in 2025. Additionally, Groningen and Drenthe in the Netherlands were chosen to host the 2034 combined Road and Para Cycling Road World Championships.

UCI President Lappartient expressed his joy at the decision, stating that the hosts will shape the map of world cycling for years to come, especially with India hosting the event for the first time. With nearly a fifth of the world's population, the event can serve as a significant catalyst for both competitive cycling and everyday bike riding.

Lappartient also congratulated the five recipients of the UCI Merit, acknowledging their contributions to advancing cycling, including Serge Arsenault, whose history with the sport began in Montréal at the 1974 UCI Road World Championships.