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The World Road Cycling Championships are among the biggest cycling competitions in the world. But did you know, they actually encompass several events?
What are the world cycling championships?
The first real edition of the cycling world championships that was open to professionals was in 1927. Prior to that, the race was only open to amateurs.
Since its inception, the cycling world championships have been organized by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and the organizing country changes every year.
Unlike most other races, the world championships are contested by national teams. Currently, depending on the number of UCI points awarded to each nation, countries can start the race with anywhere from one to nine riders.
The Rainbow Jersey
The defending world champion will wear the rainbow jersey for one year in the races in which he or she competes.
Each rider who has won at least one world championship in his or her lifetime will wear a rainbow border on the sleeves of his or her jersey throughout his or her career.
The Different Events
In reality, the world cycling championships encompass different events, whether for men or women:
- Running in a row;
- Time trial;
- Under 23 road race (this category exists only for men);
- Time trial under 23 (this category only exists for men);
- Junior road race;
- Junior time trial;
The 2020 prize list
The 2020 edition took place in Imola, Italy. The time trial as well as the start and finish of the road race took place at the legendary Imola racetrack.
In the men's race, French rider Julian Alaphilippe won the road race, ahead of Belgian Wout Van Aert. The time trial, meanwhile, was won by Italian Filippo Ganna.
In the women's race, Anna Van Der Breggen completed the double by winning both the road race and the time trial. She is only the second female runner to achieve this feat after Frenchwoman Jeannie Longo in 1995.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the junior and under-23 events have been cancelled in 2020.
Although the world championships are among the most important bicycle races in the world, they are still somewhat less popular than the Tour de France or the Olympic Games.
