Innsbruck, the Capital of the Alps, to host 2018 UCI Road World Championships

• Excitement guaranteed: Innsbruck to host 2018 UCI Road World Championships

Up to 350,000 spectators and 1,000 riders expected at challenging racing competition

In 2018 the Road World Championships, one of the most spectacular and exciting large-scale sporting events worldwide, will be coming to town! The International Cycling Association (UCI) chose Innsbruck and surroundings primarily because of the region's diverse terrain and challenging routes.

While the details of the championship course have not been finalized yet, the fact that Innsbruck, capital of the Alps and three-time Olympic host, will be setting the stage with its magnificent location and vibrant atmosphere when in September 2018 the world's physically strongest riders with nerves of steel will be competing in a total of twelve races for the title of world champion. The absolute highlight will be a spectacular elite race on a truly demanding circuit featuring an altitude gain of approximately 5,000 metres. Such a course is unprecedented in the history of the Road World Championships. Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali, Nairo Quintana and also the Austrian 'climbers' will certainly be delighted.

Elite riders and the stars of tomorrow will be battling it out in team competitions, individual time trials and road races. Some 350,000 spectators and around 1,000 riders will all be equally excited and, with the event being broadcast to 150 countries, another 200 million viewers will be sharing amazing images of a fascinating championship. With approximately 1,000 journalists expected to cover the event, Innsbruck and its holiday villages are offered yet another great opportunity to present the region's unique attractions to the world.

Information: Innsbruck Tourismus, tel. +43 512 59 850, office@innsbruck.info, www.innsbruck.info