The 38th Annual Congress of the European Cycling Union (UEC) has taken place in Avignon, France. Sahib Alakbarov, the First Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation (AzVIF), has also participated in the Congress.
The event, attended by UCI President David Lappartient, saw representatives from 46 out of the 51 national federations affiliated with the European Cycling Union. The Congress was held in the famous Palais des Papes, considered one of the symbolic sites of European history.
In his speech, UEC President Enrico Della Casa provided information about the main directions of the organization's activities. According to him, these directions include the development of women's cycling, strengthening programs focused on youth development, Europe's leading role in the global cycling movement, ecological sustainability, and the balanced development of national federations.
The report also specifically highlighted the Solidarity Program supported by the International Cycling Union (UCI), the strengthening of the UCI branch in Anadia, Portugal, and the continuation of transparent financial management.
During the Congress, representatives of the national federations unanimously approved the reports presented by UEC President Enrico Della Casa, Secretary General Alasdair MacLennan, and Treasurer Bernd Dankowski. This decision once again demonstrated high confidence in the confederation's strategic direction and governance.
UCI President David Lappartient touched on the development prospects of cycling in his speech at the Congress. He noted that in recent years, cycling has spread more widely on a global scale and is rapidly developing both as a professional sport and as part of everyday life.
Lappartient emphasized that one of UCI's main goals is to make cycling more accessible, support the development of this sport, and implement various programs for nurturing young athletes. According to him, the future of cycling depends on attracting young people to this field and the sustainable development of national federations.
Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, the UCI President stated that national federations, continental confederations, and the UCI must continue to work together for the further development of cycling worldwide.
The Congress also discussed preparations for the 2026 road cycling world and European championships to be held in Canada and Slovenia in September and October, and questions of interest to participants were answered.
