The International Cycling Union (UCI) is set to bring back a premier event to Benidorm, adding another chapter to its storied calendar of cross-country cycling competitions. This decision reinforces Benidorm as a focal point for the sport and signals a strong commitment to showcasing top-level cyclocross in the Costa Blanca region.
The UCI confirmed a schedule adjustment this week, signaling the continued presence of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Benidorm. The event remains a standout date for athletes and fans alike, drawing attention to the area and its capabilities as a host city for high-stakes racing and intense spectator engagement.
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Exhibition updates and race coverage highlight how the event has grown beyond the course itself. The UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Benidorm marks a weekend of elite competition, with the Costa Blanca providing a stunning backdrop for the world’s best cyclocross riders. The Elite women’s and men’s races deliver drama and speed, with cyclists navigating a course that blends ramps, stairs, sand sections, and other technical features designed to challenge even the most seasoned riders.
Nearly 15,000 spectators, drawing visitors from across Spain and Europe, descended on Benidorm to witness the action. Dutch and Belgian fans formed a vibrant chorus as the races unfolded, with standout performances from top contenders who crowned the weekend with memorable victories in their respective categories.
The event also brought a surge of activity to the town’s parks and streets, extending the excitement beyond the racecourse into the public spaces of Foietes and El Moralet. The weekend bolstered local tourism and energized businesses, creating a lively atmosphere that extended into the following week.
Broadcast coverage from major sports networks helped spread the spectacle globally, underscoring Benidorm’s appeal as a destination for sport and tourism. The UCI event served as a strong promotional vehicle for the city, highlighting its capacity to stage world-class competitions in a year-round climate-friendly locale.
Organizers emphasized the positive impact of the World Cup on Benidorm, the Costa Blanca, and the Valencian Community. The goal has long been to extend the tourism season and support local hospitality and dining sectors. The latest edition achieved those aims and set the stage for another successful event in the future.
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Reaction from the cycling community has been upbeat, with organizers noting strong fan support and solid institutional backing. Attendees and participants alike praised the efficient organization and welcoming atmosphere that characterized the weekend. The team behind the event works tirelessly to deliver a premier experience for riders and fans, recognizing the value of sport as a catalyst for local pride and economic activity.
The overall response has reinforced the view that Benidorm is a premier destination for elite-level cyclocross. The organizers anticipate continued collaboration with municipal and regional authorities to ensure future editions meet the same high standards and provide a platform for world-class competition in the new year.
“A landmark” for the city
City leadership has framed the event as a milestone in sport tourism. The local government stresses that hosting the UCI Cyclocross World Cup reinforces Benidorm’s status as a top venue for high-profile events and demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustaining tourism through sports. The partnership with UCI and regional entities is seen as a long-term strategy to attract visitors during the quieter winter months and to stimulate the local economy through hospitality, retail, and cultural activities.
The consensus from officials is clear: the successful execution of the World Cup is not only about a single competition but about establishing Benidorm as a reliable, year-round venue for premier sports experiences. Plans for continued collaboration aim to keep leveraging this momentum into the next edition and beyond, ensuring residents and visitors alike enjoy the benefits of top-tier cyclocross in a vibrant coastal setting.