UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup makes US debut in Huntsville

346150427 1594738744367169 819783206788385379 n — The Para-cycling Road World Cup takes place this weekend in Huntsville. (City of Huntsville)

For the first time ever the Union Cycliste Internationale Para-cycling Road World Cup is taking place outside of Europe. And it’s happening right here in Huntsville.

Slated for May 26-29, the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup will bring 350 athletes from 40 countries to Huntsville for several days of races and other activities for visitors and our community.

Making history in Huntsville

paracycling 3 scaled 1 — The Para-cycling Road World Cup announcement came back in November. (Sarah Gronberg/Hville Blast)

Mayor Tommy Battle, CRP Executive Director Erin Koshut, U.S. Paracycling Director Ian Lawless and athletes from around the world gathered in Huntsville Monday to kick off the event, expected to be the largest World Cup ever held outside of Europe.

Mayor Tommy Battle said that the event is expected to have a $1.5 million dollar economic impact on the community.

“It is with great pride that we host UCI in Huntsville after holding two successful Para-cycling road events with U.S. Paralympics in 2021 and 2022. If you’re in town this Memorial Day weekend, please come out to cheer the athletes on. We want to give everyone a big Rocket City welcome.”
Mayor Tommy Battle

Koshut said the World Cup in Huntsville will be three times larger than ones in years past, and the first with international flavor.

“These athletes have heard about our races and they’re excited to compete here. For many, it’s their first time to visit the U.S. and we’re following some very competitive World Cups in Italy and Belgium held over the last month. There’s a lot at stake – this is the World Cup finale for 2023 and you will see some high-stakes competition, including from Team USA!”
Erin Koshut, Cummings Research Park

The race schedule

paracycling 5 — The para-cycling event this weekend is expected to draw hundreds of athletes and spectators. (U.S. Paralympics Cycling / Facebook)

The races will take place in CRP and are free for spectators. No tickets necessary! Citizens are encouraged to invite friends and family members, pack a cooler, bring chairs and a blanket, and come watch the races along the outside ring of Explorer Boulevard, the loop of CRP West.

Race times are as follows:

Friday, May 26

Individual Time Trials

Racing: 3PM-7:30PM

Awards: 6PM-7:30PM

Saturday, May 27

Individual Time Trials

Racing: 9AM-6PM

Awards: 3PM-3:45PM and 6PM-7PM

Sunday, May 28

Road Races

Racing: 9AM to 7:45PM