Sunshine Coast will the host of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Para-cycling Road World Championships in March 2028.
The awarding of the hosting rights to the Championships to AusCycling and subsquent venue selection of the Sunshine Coast will bring the best of the para-cycling world in a Paralympic Games year to Queensland in pursuit of world titles and rainbow jerseys. The Championships will feature the team relay, individual time trial and road races.
More than 500 international athletes and support staff are expected with this being the key selection event for nations to qualify for the 2028 Paralympic Games and a key test event towards the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games para-cycling road events.
AusCycling CEO, Marne Fechner celebrated the announcement saying congratulations to the Sunshine Coast for being chosen to host the 2028 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships!
"This is a remarkable opportunity to showcase our region's spirit and commitment to inclusivity in sport. We look forward to welcoming athletes from around the world and celebrating their extraordinary," Mr Fechner said.
"Coming off the fantastic success of the 2024 Paralympic Games by our cyclists we look forward to celebrating their achievements on home soil in 2028."
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was exciting to have secured the first internationally significant para event for Queensland ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, demonstrating our co-host capabilities.
"We expect the event will attract substantial national and international attention with competitors from more than 45 countries,'' Mayor Natoli said.
"It will also provide an extended broadcast reach, showcasing a course that would take advantage of our region's natural assets ranging from the coast to hinterland.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to help promote the region as an international event destination and raise awareness that we are ready to host large-scale global events in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"We also feel strongly that showcasing para-sport will promote inclusion and diversity among the community while adding to the region's growing reputation as an accessible tourism destination."
