Excitement builds for major indoor cycling championships

Excitement is building for a major indoor cycling event at Derby Arena which is expected to attract thousands of spectators from across Europe.

In October, Derby will make history when it becomes the first UK city to host a standalone UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships event.

Taking place from 16 to 18 October, the championships bring together the world’s best athletes across two disciplines – artistic cycling and cycle-ball – travelling from across Europe and beyond to compete for the sport’s most coveted prize, the UCI rainbow jersey.

Indoor cycling is described as part sport, part performance. In artistic cycling, riders perform choreographed routines on fixed-gear bikes, combining gymnastics, balance and precision into timed programmes judged on difficulty and execution.

In cycle-ball, two-player teams compete to score goals using only their wheels and frame – fast, physical and highly tactical.

In addition to world-class competition, the event will bring a festival atmosphere to Derby Arena, with entertainment and activities taking place across all three days.

With a programme designed to appeal to all ages, the event is expected to draw a strong family audience alongside the passionate international fanbases that follow the sport.

Derby 2026 event director Scott Taylor, of Infinity Events, said: “Derby is my home city, and bringing a world championships here means a great deal to me personally.

“But beyond that, it is a real opportunity to put Derby on the map, to attract visitors and investment, to engage communities and young people in sport, and to show what this city is capable of.

“We are expecting thousands of spectators from across Europe and beyond this October and we cannot wait to see Derby come alive for it.”

David Lappartient, UCI president, said: “It’s always a pleasure to bring the UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships to cities that combine enthusiasm for cycling with the facilities and expertise to showcase our sport.

“Derby has demonstrated all these qualities, and we believe it will offer an outstanding platform for athletes in artistic cycling and cycle-ball to shine on the global stage.”

With commercial partnership opportunities available, local businesses are invited to explore how they can align with the event.

For further information on commercial partnerships, contact partnerships@infinityeventsgroup.co.uk.

To purchase tickets for the UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships, click here.