The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is pleased to announce the organisation of the UCI Cycling Gala on 9 December 2026 in Benidorm, Spain.
Celebrating excellence in international cycling, the UCI Cycling Gala will bring together the leading figures of women’s and men’s professional road cycling for an exclusive evening dedicated to the season’s sporting achievements, the successes of the world’s top athletes, and their popularity among fans.
During the gala, an awards ceremony will pay tribute to the top female and male riders, teams and nations of the 2026 UCI World Rankings, recognising the performances that have defined the season's competitions.
Trophies will also be awarded to the Fans’ Choice male and female riders of the year, with the winners being revealed live on stage following online voting, conducted notably through UCI platforms.
Located in a region that has established itself in recent years as a leading training destination for international cyclists, the city of Benidorm will provide the ideal setting for the 2026 UCI Cycling Gala, which will henceforth be held annually at the end of the season.
For the 2026 edition, athletes, teams, organisers and partners will come together in a prestigious, glamorous and innovative setting, the Centro Cultural de Benidorm. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to a global audience on television (in Europe) and on the UCI's YouTube channel, with coverage across all UCI platforms.
UCI President David Lappartient said: “Cycling enjoys the prominence it has today above all thanks to its athletes, their teams, and our National Federations. Their achievements and dedication deserve to be officially recognised, and it is with this in mind that the UCI Cycling Gala will both honour the best among them and celebrate the entire professional men's and women's road cycling community. With its deep ties to cycling, Benidorm is the ideal host for this prestigious new annual event.”
Mayor of Benidorm Toni Pérez said:“Benidorm has built a strong relationship with international cycling over the years. For the past four years, our city has proudly hosted a round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup and is now a candidate to host the 2031 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships. Long before that, in 1992, Benidorm welcomed the UCI Road World Championships. Hosting the UCI Cycling Gala is another important milestone that reinforces our commitment to the sport and further establishes Benidorm as one of the world's leading cycling destinations.”
President of the Generalitat Valenciana Juan Francisco Pérez Llorca said:“The Comunitat Valenciana offers everything world-class cycling needs: an exceptional year-round climate, an outstanding road network, challenging mountain climbs and a deep-rooted cycling culture. These strengths have established our region as one of the world's leading destinations for the sport.
“Every winter, some of the world's best teams and riders choose our region to prepare for the season. Hosting the 2026 UCI Cycling Gala further strengthens that position and reflects our commitment to sport as a driver of economic development, tourism and international visibility for the Comunitat Valenciana.”