The British organiser informed the UCI that it could no longer host the World Championships. The Union Cycliste Internationale subsequently announced that the MHPArena in Ludwigsburg would host the competitions. German Cycling is organising the event in collaboration with the agency 8action and Tourismus & Events Ludwigsburg.
Last-minute organisation of the Indoor Cycling World Championships
Bernd Dankowski, President of German Cycling, explains the decision: “When we heard about the cancellation in Derby, it quickly became clear to us that we wanted to take responsibility. Organising a World Championship within a matter of weeks is a huge challenge. But as one of the leading nations in indoor cycling, we want to help ensure that the World Championships can go ahead.”
The experience gained from Bremen 2024 and Göppingen 2025 forms the basis for the event’s organisation in Ludwigsburg. The UCI thanked German Cycling and its President, Bernd Dankowski, for stepping in to organise the event at short notice. Theresa Schopper, Minister for Sport for the State of Baden-Württemberg, is acting as patron of the World Championships.
Implications for the athletes
Katharina Schwarz, Vice-President for Indoor Cycling at German Cycling, emphasises how important this is for the athletes: “Our focus is above all on the athletes from all nations who have worked towards this highlight of the season with great passion and enormous dedication. The fact that we can now provide them with the stage for their World Championships sends a strong signal to the entire international indoor cycling family. And, of course, a home World Championship is also something very special for our German athletes and provides them with extra motivation.”
The top competitors in artistic cycling and cycle ball are gathering in Germany, the historic heartland of both disciplines. World Championship titles will be awarded in various categories. Following the 2024 event in Bremen and the 2025 event in Göppingen, this is now the third consecutive World Championship to be held in Germany.
Ticket sales and event details
Jens Zimmermann, Managing Director of 8action, describes the aim: “We are delighted to be hosting these World Championships in partnership with German Cycling and the City of Ludwigsburg. Our aim is to provide the athletes – and the fans at the MHPArena – with three days of indoor cycling at the very highest level.” Tickets for the World Championships are already on sale.
Leon Weidner
Editor
