2025 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships kick off in Ronse: “This isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting point”

Three speakers addressed the crowd during the ceremony. Mayor Ignace Michaux opened with pride: “We are delighted and honored to welcome the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships to Ronse. Our city is now the first in the world to have hosted both the regular World Championships (in 1963 and 1988) and now, by choice, the Para-cycling World Championships. This marks a new chapter in our rich cycling history.”

Steven Van Beylen, director of G-sport Vlaanderen, followed: “The barrier we are breaking today, the one we’re so proud of, should no longer be a barrier in the future. It should become something natural, without fanfare. That’s why this championship is not the pinnacle, not the end point, but above all a starting point.”

Finally, Mohammed Ben Al Mahi, president of the UCI Para-cycling Commission, stressed the ambition to set “a new standard” with this championship.

Earlier in the day, riders tested the demanding time trial course. The competition begins on Thursday with the handbike (H1–H5) and tricycle (T1–T2) time trials. On Friday, the spotlight turns to two-wheelers (C1–C5) and tandems (B). The weekend will feature the road races: Saturday for handbikes and tricycles, Sunday for two-wheelers and tandems. The event closes on Sunday evening with the spectacular Mixed Handbike Team Relay.

The UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships are organized by G-sport Vlaanderen and Isomundo, with the support of numerous partners. For four days, Ronse will be the beating heart of international para-cycling: a unique event that pushes boundaries and puts para-sport in the spotlight.

The Flemish government, through EventFlanders, is joining forces with the city of Ronse to make an organization of this caliber possible. EventFlanders works within Toerisme Vlaanderen, and is a collaboration of Toerisme Vlaanderen, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Culture, Youth and Media, and Sport Vlaanderen.

Thanks to full coverage on Sporza and VRT1, and reporting through Nieuwsblad and Belga, all of Flanders can enjoy this sporting highlight.