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Yorkshire was yesterday chosen to host the 2019 UCI Road World Championships. The news was announced by UCI president Brian Cookson from Qatar which is currently hosting this year’s event
The winning bid was submitted by Welcome to Yorkshire, British Cycling and UK Sport and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The government has committed to invest £24 million into the event, £15 million of that budget will be used to develop 27 cycle sport facilities across the UK which will leave a lasting legacy at grassroots level. In addition there is £3 million of National Lottery funding from UK Sport.
Tracey Crouch, minister for sport, said: "I am delighted that our bid to host the UCI Road World Championships in 2019 has been successful. The government is backing the event with investment to stage the championships and leave a legacy that will help strengthen cycling at the grassroots across the country.
Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: “Today marks a moment in history. Yorkshire has shown it can host world-class events with the Grand Départ and Tours de Yorkshire, and now the county has been chosen to host the nine-day UCI Road World Championships in 2019.
“We have got the scenery, the crowds, and the warm welcome, and we are sure the world’s best riders will love the challenging roads we have to offer.”
Ian Drake, chief executive of British Cycling said: “To get £15 million to invest in cycle sport facilities is massive and will truly leave a lasting legacy for this event.
“While we’ve been building dozens of new facilities over the last decade, this is an opportunity to ensure that every area of Britain has close access to a closed road circuit, velodrome, BMX track or mountain bike trail.
“This is transformational for the sport and will inspire thousands of people to take up cycling.”
