The Union Européenne de Cyclisme held its annual Congress in Avignon (France), in the prestigious setting of the Palais des Papes, one of the symbolic locations of European history. A place of extraordinary cultural and institutional value, it provided the ideal setting for reflection on the present and, above all, on the future of continental cycling.
Delegates from 46 of the 51 affiliated National Federations took part in the Congress, as did the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale, David Lappartient.
In his speech, President Enrico Della Casa presented an overview of the main themes of the Confederation's work: the development of women's cycling, the strengthening of policies in favour of young people, the central role of Europe in the global cycling movement, environmental sustainability and the balanced growth of National Federations.
Particular attention was paid to the gradual affirmation of women's cycling, both in terms of sport and management, as well as to structured investment in young people, considered to be the pillar of the movement's future.
The UEC's commitment to modern, inclusive governance geared towards the promotion of cycling in all European countries was also reaffirmed.
The 2025 activity report highlighted the 18 European Championships organised, the 163 titles awarded and the distribution of medals among a growing number of countries, a sign of increasingly widespread development.
Significant attention was also given to the Solidarity Programme supported by the UCI, the consolidation of the UCI Satellite Centre’s activities in Anadia, the ‘UEC Forest’ environmental project and the confirmation of sound and rigorous financial management.
During the Congress, the delegates of the National Federations in attendance unanimously approved the reports presented by President Enrico Della Casa, General Secretary Alasdair MacLennan and Treasurer Bernd Dankowski, renewing their confidence in the Confederation's strategic direction and management.
Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme: “Europe is not only the continent with the greatest cycling tradition: it is the place where cycling was born, took shape and built its identity.
Today, we must go beyond our history and become a concrete benchmark in terms of safety, inclusion, sustainability and quality of governance. Investing in women's cycling, strengthening programmes dedicated to young people and supporting National Federations in their development means building solid foundations for the future.
The figures from last season show that our movement is alive and growing, with more and more countries getting involved. But this is only a starting point: we must continue to work together, with unity and a common vision, to make European cycling even stronger, more open and more modern.”
During the Congress, the National Federations that topped the UEC Ranking (France) and the overall medals table for 2025 (Italy) were rewarded, and UEC Merit Awards were presented to Catherine Gastou (France), Jolanda Polkamp (Netherlands) and Joe Bajada (Malta), while the UEC Gold Licence, the highest UEC distinction, was awarded to Agata Lang Lelangue (Poland) and Henrik Jess Jensen (Denmark).
