26/02/2018

Thomas Rohregger at the London Bike Show

The sheer scale of the challenges ahead for riders at the 2018 UCI Road World Championships were brought to life, as the course profiles were revealed at the London Bike Show.

Thomas Rohregger, Head of Communications for Innsbruck-Tirol UCI Road World Championships set out the courses and gave a flavour of some highlights ahead – including the final lap of the Men’s Elite Race, which will take riders literally through hell –  at the ExCel event.

Thomas, an Austrian former professional road bicycle racer, described the main feature of the course where the final lap in the Men’s Elite race riders will take riders up a 28 per cent climb through an area known as Höttinger Höll – which translates in English to hell.

Thomas said: “It’s going to be one of the toughest road world championships in the history of racing.

“Innsbruck-Tirol is located in the mountains and the routes are going to reflect that.

Thomas pointed out the region’s sporting pedigree, as well as its stunning scenery and wide-range of tourism facilities, as providing the perfect environment for visitors to Innsbruck and Tirol to enjoy the event.

He added: “This is going to be the biggest sporting event the region has seen.

“We are well-known for skiing and the big ski races. Hosting the cycling races is a new approach and one we are well-prepared for.”

The world’s road bike elite will be meeting up in the city from 22 September to 30 September as the championships come to Innsbruck/Tirol for the first-time, welcoming stars of the biking scene including Greg Van Avermaet, Vincenzo Nibali and Peter Sagan.

Professional road racers will line up 12 times from four different locations, all heading off into the heart of Innsbruck, making the city a hub for the road bike elite for the duration of the UCI Road World Championships.

Peter Unsinn, Head of Market Management at Innsbruck Tourism, said: “With its unique combination of city life and fantastic mountain scenery, Innsbruck is the worthy centre for the 2018 UCI Road World Championships.

“Insiders talk about this being one of the most challenging world championships of all time, with lots of arduous ascents.

“The spectacular routes take in steep ramps and rapid descents through the imposing Tyrolean mountains before riders make for the finish in the heart of Innsbruck.”

All the information about the 2018 UCI Road World Championships, as well as holiday deals for those who want to be in Innsbruck/Tirol in person from 22 to 30 September, can be found at www.innsbruck-tirol2018.com