More than 320 riders with disabilities from 51 countries come to Ronse for “Game changer, the best World Championships ever”

From 28 to 31 August, Ronse – the beating heart of cycling – will be the battleground for the world’s best para-cyclists. With a record 328 athletes from 51 countries, this will be the biggest Para-cycling Road World Championships ever in a year following the Paralympic Games. Belgium will be represented by 11 selected athletes. The full selection and competition program were officially presented on 26 August during a press conference in De Passage in Ronse.

Todd Fraser, UCI Para-cycling Manager, opened the press conference: “Belgium, Flanders, and Ronse have a long history of hosting major championships. We are delighted to organize a World Championships with this city. This is the largest Worlds in a year after the Paralympics, and thanks to VRT we have the best coverage ever for para-cycling. Never before have so many rights holders broadcasted these Championships,” said Todd.

“The many efforts of the organizing committee with G-sport Vlaanderen and Isomundo, along with the city of Ronse and the Flemish government, are significant. That’s why, for the first time in UCI history, we will carry out a study on the economic impact of these World Championships,” he added. “We can safely say this will be a game changer for our sport, and the best World Championships ever.”

Steven Van Beylen, Director of G-sport Vlaanderen, on behalf of the organizing committee: “We looked for a course that provides a sporting challenge for everyone, reminiscent of the great classics such as the Tour of Flanders. It is also very special that our own Flemish champions can shine in such a setting in front of their supporters. This World Championships can inspire and activate people with disabilities—not only in cycling, not only in para-sport, but across the entire sports sector.”

The city of Ronse is providing all its services and facilities and is investing in an engaging, accessible top-level sporting event. Mayor Ignace Michaux: “As a city, we proudly choose to regard a Para-cycling World Championships as equal to the previous World Championships we hosted. We want to be there for everyone, and with this event, we are connecting our people.”

• 328 participants
• 51 countries
• 3 race types: road races, individual time trials, and the mixed team relay (handbikes)
• 13 sport classes, divided into tandems (B), handbikes (H), tricycles (T), and bicycles (C)
• Unique course including iconic sections like the Hotond and Kruisstraat from past Worlds and the Tour of Flanders
• 32+ hours of live broadcasting by VRT, with unprecedented camera coverage
• International distribution with a record number of rights holders

Plenty of side events on the Market Square

• The city of Ronse presents “Zomer in Ronse”: four days of children’s activities and evening concerts.
• G-sport Vlaanderen lets you experience para-sport.
• Cycling Vlaanderen hosts Kids on Wheelz, where children aged 5–14 learn safe cycling.
• Try to conquer the Kruisstraat on a handbike simulator.
• On 30 August, join Biking@Ronse and ride along the World Championships course yourself.

Minister De Ridder, Flemish Minister for Mobility, Public Works, Ports and Sport, on the Worlds:
“With the Para-cycling World Championships in Ronse, we are once again putting Flanders on the map: as the cradle of cycling, as a sporting nation, and as home to so many top athletes. Para-athletes show their exceptional strength: this race is already extremely demanding, but they must overcome additional challenges. Their perseverance and passion make them an inspiration to us all.”

Minister Depraetere, Flemish Minister for Housing, Energy and Climate, Tourism and Youth:
“As Minister of Tourism, I am proud that with the Para-cycling Worlds in Ronse we are bringing together the incredible achievements of para-athletes from around the world—from Flemish talent to far beyond. It will be an unforgettable experience for cycling fans and the thousands of supporters traveling to Ronse. We also pay special attention to accessibility in our hospitality and tourism: wheelchair-accessible restaurants, accessible cycling routes, and event sites. This promises to be a top event for young and old alike. A huge boost for Flemish tourism. The race is ours!”

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.