The President of the International Cycling Union (UCI), Mr. David Lappartient, expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Cycling Federation, for the professional organization and outstanding hosting of the UCI Information Exchange Platform and the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Conference 2026, which were held in the capital, Riyadh.
Lappartient praised the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the participants, noting that the high quality of the organization, meticulous attention to detail, and the exceptional professionalism demonstrated by the teams were key factors in the resounding success of the events. He emphasized that the UCI platform represented a strategic opportunity to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the International Cycling Union (UCI) and its member national federations, enabling participants to exchange experiences and best practices that contribute to the development of cycling across Asia.
General context: Hosting sporting events within the framework of Vision 2030
This success comes within the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to solidify its position as a leading global hub for hosting major sporting, cultural, and entertainment events. Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a preferred destination for international championships across various sports, from Formula 1 races and the Dakar Rally to world boxing matches and golf tournaments. Hosting administrative and strategic conferences for international sports bodies, such as the UCI conference, is a significant step that reflects international confidence in the Kingdom's infrastructure and organizational capabilities.
The importance and expected impact of the event
Locally, this event reinforces the Saudi Cycling Federation's efforts to promote cycling and expand its base of participants, aligning with quality-of-life programs. It also provides an opportunity to gain international experience and develop national talent in organizing sporting events. Regionally, Riyadh's successful hosting of this important event underscores its leading role in developing Asian sports and opens new avenues for cooperation among member nations of the Asian Cycling Confederation. Internationally, the praise from the president of the highest international governing body for cycling is a strong endorsement that enhances the Kingdom's reputation as a reliable and professional partner on the global sporting stage, potentially paving the way for hosting major international races on the UCI calendar in the near future.
