The UCI is launching its World Urban Cycling Championships in Chengdu tomorrow ©UCI

The inaugural Urban Cycling World Championships – combining for the first time Trials, Mountain Bike Eliminator and BMX Freestyle disciplines – will get underway in Chengdu, China tomorrow, representing what has been described as a “historic” event for the International Cycling Union (UCI).

The UCI, which announced this innovation in May, is hoping to attract new interest in the sport through a competition that runs from November 8 to 12.

Speaking when the event was announced in March, the former UCI President Brian Cookson commented:

“These UCI Urban Cycling World Championships are an historic moment for the Trials, Mountain Bike Eliminator and BMX Freestyle disciplines, as they are brought together for the first time at a single event and venue.

“It is also a watershed for our Federation, which aims to reach a young and urban audience by organising events in an urban environment.

“The significant financial contributions awarded to participants are a sign of the importance of these World Championships for the UCI.

“The equal prize money between genders reflects our commitment to the further development of women's cycling across all its disciplines, and I thank the organiser for the efforts made in this regard.”

There is a total prize fund of €187,050 (£164,750/$216,706) on offer for participants – unprecedented for the three disciplines, with the gender equality matching what has been standard practice at all UCI World Championships since 2016.

BMX Freestyle is one of three disciplines, along with Trials and Mountain Bike Eliminator, featured in the inaugural UCI Urban Cycling World Championships starting in Chengdu tomorrow ©Getty Images
BMX Freestyle is one of three disciplines, along with Trials and Mountain Bike Eliminator, featured in the inaugural UCI Urban Cycling World Championships starting in Chengdu tomorrow ©Getty Images

Each UCI Elite World Champion will receive a prize of €10,000 (£8,800/$11,600).

Equality of treatment will benefit all competitors ranked from first to 12th place.

XCE is raced over short and technical courses in groups of four riders at a time with an elimination system, with only the first two qualifying.

BMX Freestyle Park is practised in parks, where competitors are judged on the tricks performed and their respective difficulty levels, but also on their originality and style. 

Trials consists of overcoming obstacles that are grouped into sections, without the rider's foot or any part of the bike, except the wheels, touching the ground; such faults incur penalties.

The UCI has explained the thinking behind this launch as reflecting the change in how cyclists use city centres:

 “Over the last decade, city centres have become huge playgrounds for urban cyclists.

“People are using the urban environment to practice, develop their skills and challenge themselves…

“Modern, entertaining and dynamic, this event is set to attract impressive spectator numbers and will be particularly popular with a young audience.”