The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by Saudi Cycling Federation (SCF) President and Arab Cycling Federation (ACF) Vice President Abdullah Al-Wathlan, participated in the 193rd Union Cyclist International (UCI) Congress held on September 27, 2024, in Zurich, Switzerland. The congress, which coincided with the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships, brought together representatives from 118 national federations to discuss the future of the sport globally.
Context and Background
The annual UCI Congress serves as the primary decision-making forum for international cycling, where member federations review progress, set policies, and approve strategic initiatives. This year’s gathering focused on sustainability, women’s cycling development, and the expansion of training infrastructure. Saudi Arabia’s active participation underscores the Kingdom’s growing commitment to cycling as both a competitive sport and a tool for public health and tourism under Vision 2030.
Key Details
During the congress, UCI President David Lappartient delivered an opening address praising the achievements of national federations in 2023. A key presentation covered the report on “Training Centers – Women’s Cycling – International Testing Agencies (ITA),” alongside the first-ever sustainability report, which highlights cycling’s role as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Delegates also noted the recent expansion of UCI membership and confirmed that Rwanda will host the 2025 Road World Championships.
On the sidelines, President Al-Wathlan held a series of bilateral meetings with UCI President Lappartient, Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) President, members of the International Executive Board, and several Asian and Arab cycling federations. These discussions focused on reviewing Saudi cycling’s future goals and developing joint programs to enhance the Kingdom’s international and regional presence.
Implications and Impact
Saudi Arabia’s engagement at the congress signals its ambition to become a hub for cycling in the Middle East. By aligning with global standards in women’s cycling, anti-doping protocols, and sustainable infrastructure, the Kingdom is positioning itself to host major international cycling events. The meetings with Asian and Arab federations also strengthen regional cooperation, paving the way for collaborative training initiatives and shared hosting opportunities.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This participation directly supports Vision 2030’s goals of promoting sports, healthy lifestyles, and international collaboration. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its cycling infrastructure—including dedicated tracks and community programs—the Kingdom is creating new opportunities for tourism, youth engagement, and environmental sustainability. The SCF’s proactive diplomacy at the UCI Congress reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a leading force in global cycling.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the main purpose of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the 193rd UCI Congress?
A1. Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Cycling Federation, participated to engage with global cycling leaders, review progress, and discuss future development of the sport at the international level.
Q2. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the UCI Congress in Zurich?
A2. The Kingdom was represented by Abdullah Al-Wathlan, President of the Saudi Cycling Federation and Vice President of the Arab Cycling Federation.
Q3. Where and when was the 193rd UCI Congress held?
A3. The congress was held on September 27, 2024, in Zurich, Switzerland, coinciding with the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships.
Q4. How many national federations attended the congress?
A4. A total of 118 national federations attended the 193rd UCI Congress in Zurich.
Q5. Who is the president of the UCI?
A5. The president of the Union Cyclist International is David Lappartient, who delivered the opening speech at the congress.
Q6. What key reports were presented at the congress?
A6. The UCI presented reports on “Training Centers – Women’s Cycling – International Testing Agencies (ITA)” and the first sustainability report promoting cycling as an eco-friendly transport mode.
Q7. Which country was announced as the host of the 2025 Road World Championships?
A7. Rwanda was announced as the host of the 2025 Road World Championships during the UCI Congress.
Q8. Did the Saudi delegation hold separate meetings on the sidelines?
A8. Yes, President Al-Wathlan held bilateral meetings with the UCI president, ACC president, executive board members, and several Asian and Arab federations.
Q9. What topics were discussed in the bilateral meetings?
A9. The meetings reviewed Saudi cycling’s future goals and discussed joint programs to enhance international and Asian presence.
Q10. How does this participation support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
A10. It promotes sports, healthy lifestyles, international collaboration, and tourism, all core to Vision 2030’s objectives.
Q11. What is the Asian Cycling Confederation’s role in the region?
A11. The ACC coordinates cycling development across Asia, and Saudi Arabia’s engagement with it strengthens regional cooperation.
Q12. Why is the sustainability report significant?
A12. The first sustainability report supports the UCI’s push for cycling as an environmentally friendly transport, aligning with global climate goals.
Q13. How many member federations does the UCI currently have?
A13. The UCI now includes 118 national federations, with several new countries recently joining.
Q14. What is the Saudi Cycling Federation’s primary objective?
A14. The SCF aims to develop competitive cycling, promote health, and expand Saudi Arabia’s role in international events.
Q15. Is Saudi Arabia planning to host major cycling events?
A15. While no specific event was announced, the meetings signaled Saudi Arabia’s ambition to host international cycling competitions in the future.
Q16. How does women’s cycling development fit into Saudi Arabia’s plans?
A16. Vision 2030 encourages women’s sports participation, and the SCF is working to increase female involvement in cycling.
Q17. What role does the International Testing Agency play?
A17. The ITA ensures anti-doping compliance in cycling, which Saudi Arabia supports through its membership.
Q18. Did the congress discuss training centers?
A18. Yes, a report on training centers highlighted best practices for developing cyclists at the national level.
Q19. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from attending the UCI Congress?
A19. It allows Saudi Arabia to network, learn global standards, and position itself as a serious player in international cycling.
Q20. What is the next step for Saudi cycling after this congress?
A20. The SCF will leverage the contacts and insights gained to advance joint programs and strengthen its international presence under Vision 2030.
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