The excitement is building as the 2027 UCI World Cycling Championships are set to take place from August 24 to September 5, 2027, in Haute-Savoie, France. This highly anticipated event was officially presented on April 15, 2025, in the picturesque town of Sallanches, a location steeped in cycling history. The championships will commemorate 45 years since Bernard Hinault's iconic victory on the Domancy hill, a climb that has become synonymous with his legendary career.
At 70 years old, Hinault returned to the Domancy hill, where he clinched his world champion title in 1980. Despite a slight electric assist on his Bianchi bicycle, he showcased his enduring fitness, stating, "It’s great to see the course return to its roots. We’re going straight into the hills, unlike other championships where riders have to endure long flat stretches first." His nostalgic remarks reflect the significance of the hill, which features a challenging 2.5-kilometer ascent with an average gradient of 9.4%.
The 2027 championships are expected to attract over 20,000 athletes from more than 200 nations, making it a monumental occasion for the cycling community. According to Michel Callot, president of the French Cycling Federation (FFC), "This would be extraordinary; only the Summer Olympics can bring together such a vast number of participants from around the world." The event will encompass 19 disciplines, including road racing, BMX, mountain biking, and more, making it a comprehensive celebration of cycling.
In a significant move, the time trial events will be held in Annecy, utilizing the same routes that were part of the 2009 Tour de France. Meanwhile, the track cycling events will take place at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome due to the absence of a local facility.
For the road racing event, competitors will tackle a grueling 266-kilometer course consisting of 20 laps around a 13.3-kilometer circuit, featuring the daunting Domancy hill. This format is designed to favor climbers, with a total elevation gain of 5,700 meters across the race. The last time France hosted the Road World Championships was in 2000, and this marks the first time Sallanches will host the event for the third time, having previously done so in 1964 and 1980.
As anticipation grows, former champion Laurent Jalabert shared his thoughts on the upcoming championships, reflecting on how Hinault's legacy inspired his own career. "I pursued cycling because I saw Bernard Hinault win in Sallanches. That moment sparked my passion for the sport," Jalabert commented. His words resonate with many aspiring cyclists who hope to follow in the footsteps of their heroes.
The event will not only be a showcase of elite cycling but also a celebration of the sport's grassroots, with many young athletes eager to make their mark on the world stage. The FFC aims to create an inclusive atmosphere where both elite and amateur cyclists can compete and celebrate their love for cycling.
The 2027 UCI World Cycling Championships are poised to be a landmark event, drawing approximately 2 million spectators to the Haute-Savoie region. With a projected cumulative TV audience of one billion viewers, the championships will shine a global spotlight on cycling in France. Over 700 media representatives are expected to cover the event, highlighting its significance in the world of sports.
In conclusion, the 2027 UCI World Cycling Championships in Haute-Savoie will not only honor the rich history of cycling but also pave the way for future generations of cyclists. As the countdown begins, the cycling world eagerly awaits the return of this prestigious event, where legends will once again be made on the challenging slopes of the Domancy hill.
