After his election, UCI President David Lappartient created the UCI Solidarity and Emerging Cycling Countries Commission, as part of the UCI Agenda 2022, to foster the development of cycling in areas around the world where support is greatly needed.
On average, the UCI World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland, host of the UCI, welcomes over 120 to 130 countries per year to receive a wide range of trainings, including cycling mechanics. The course educates about bicycle parts and how to dismantle or assemble a bike. These sets will partly be used to build bikes for trainees competing internationally at Junior and Under 23 levels, while other bikes will be donated to National Federations of emerging countries.
Since the partnership with the UCI in 1999, Shimano has provided technical assistance at a variety of cycling events around the world. Collaborating with the company both on the field of cycling competition and on development of the sport is a new chapter in the cooperation between one of the most prestigious companies in cycling business and the world’s cycling governing body.
UCI President David Lappartient declared: “It is only with support from industry leaders like Shimano that we will be able to make a difference around the world. In addition to overseeing cycling competition, the UCI also has the responsibility to promote the sport globally. This donation will serve as part of the education programme the UCI World Cycling Centre provides to our National Federations. We highly value Shimano’s contribution to the UCI Solidarity Programme and we look forward to engaging further with other industry leaders to help us develop cycling across the globe.”
Hennie Stamsnijder, Manager Sports Marketing Shimano Europe, said: “Not only are we dedicated and committed to bike racing fans but many of us have also benefited from national level coaching. This is our opportunity to give something back to the racing scene, to support the many behind-the-scenes heroes, and indirectly support emerging young cycling talents across the world. We are proud to support the UCI in this way.”