Opening of UCI World Cycling Centre Continental Development Satellite in Argentina

The UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) – the training and education centre of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), based in Aigle, Switzerland – is pleased to announce the opening of a new UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite in San Juan, Argentina.

San Juan’s indoor Vicente Alejo Chancay Velodrome was awarded the UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite label on 14 June, during the 2023 Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships.

This inauguration is part of the reform of the satellite concept approved by the UCI Management Committee in June 2022.

The new UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite in San Juan joins the network of existing UCI WCC satellites in Japan (Shuzenji), Korea (Yeongju), South Africa (Paarl), India (New Delhi), Portugal (Anadia), Trinidad and Tobago (Couva) and Canada (Bromont).

Through their regional programmes and educational activities, these satellites are essential partners for the UCI WCC in its mission to develop athletes and train people for careers in cycling, such as mechanics and coaches.

Present in Argentina for the inauguration of the new satellite, alongside UCI Vice-President Enrico Della Casa, UCI WCC Director Jacques Landry said: "The UCI WCC's Continental Development Satellites are central to the policy for the development of cycling throughout the world. The opening of a new satellite in Argentina allows us to further strengthen our actions in this direction.

"San Juan has a deep-rooted cycling culture: the city and its region are well known in our sport thanks to the Vuelta a San Juan, a magnificent stage race in the UCI ProSeries. With its new velodrome, San Juan is also hosting the Elite Pan-American Track Cycling Championships this year and will host the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in 2025. This enthusiasm is further proof of the relevance of a UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite in this beautiful region.”

Gabriel Curuchet, President of Argentina’s National Cycling Federation (Unión Ciclista de la República Argentina - UCRA) and Head of the Vicente Alejo Chancay Velodrome in San Juan, who was also present at the inauguration of the Satellite, said: "UCRA would like to thank the UCI, COPACI [Pan-American Cycling Confederation] and the government of San Juan for their work on the inauguration of the UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite in San Juan. This is the result of an exemplary collaboration between all those involved. Together, we have taken an important step in the development and promotion of cycling in our region. We are convinced that this infrastructure will be a breeding ground for talent and a fundamental pillar on the road to success for South American athletes".

Find out more about the UCI WCC Continental and Regional Development Satellites