2026 UCI Road World Championships

The 2026 UCI Road World Championships is the pinnacle event in road cycling, where the world’s best riders compete for the prestigious “Rainbow Jersey.” The 2026 edition is a historic occasion, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, making it a monumental year for the city’s sporting legacy.

When and Where is the 2026 World Championships?

The 2026 UCI Road World Championships will be held in Montréal, Canada, from September 20 to 27, 2026. The races will take place on challenging courses around the city, with events starting and finishing in key locations like Parc Jeanne-Mance.

Race Program

The format includes a full schedule of races for different categories, with the main events being the Individual Time Trial and the Road Race. All races are contested by national teams, not professional trade teams, with the winner of each event earning the coveted Rainbow Jersey. For a detailed look at the official schedule, including dates and times for each race category, please visit the Official Race Program and Schedule.

Individual Time Trials: A race against the clock where riders start at set intervals. There are separate events for Men Elite, Women Elite, Men Under 23, Women Under 23, Men Junior, and Women Junior.
Road Races: A mass-start race where riders compete in a pack over a challenging course. There are events for all categories, including the Men Elite Road Race.
Team Time Trial Mixed Relay: A team event featuring both male and female riders from each nation.

The Riders and Qualifying

National teams, composed of the world’s top professional cyclists, will compete for glory. The number of riders a country can field is determined by their standing in the UCI rankings and their performance throughout the season. Expect to see the best riders from nations like Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Slovenia, all vying for their country’s pride.

Getting to the 2026 UCI Road World Championships

Montréal is served by Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), which is the primary point of entry for international travelers. The city has an excellent public transportation system, including the metro and buses, for easy travel to and from venues.

• By Air: Flights to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) are available from major hubs worldwide.
• Local Travel: The city’s public transport, run by the STM, is efficient and provides a convenient way to get around. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also widely available.

Tickets for the 2026 UCI Road World Championships

The beautiful thing about road cycling is that most of the action is free to watch! Spectators can line the course to cheer on their favorite riders. The event is expected to be free to the public, offering an unprecedented scale of sporting action.

Where to Stay for the 2026 UCI Road World Championships

Montréal offers a vast selection of hotels, from luxury high-rises to budget-friendly guesthouses. Since key race events will be based on the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal routes, staying near Parc Jeanne-Mance and Mount Royal is ideal. Popular hotels close to the race include the Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Centre-Ville, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, and Le St-Martin Hôtel Centre-ville. Booking your accommodation well in advance is highly recommended due to high demand.

Booking Tips:

• Book Early: The city gets very busy during the event, so book your accommodation as early as possible.
• Check Transport Links: Ensure your hotel is well-connected to public transport for easy travel to and from the race course.
• Read Reviews: Before booking, check reviews on reputable booking sites like TripAdvisor.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the 2026 UCI Road World Championships

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to this historic event, here are some essential resources for your trip:

• Official Event Website
• Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Official Website
• Tourisme Montréal Official Tourism Website