Benidorm is set to return to the centre of international sport after being chosen to host the International Cycling Union (UCI) 2026 Cycling Gala. The ceremony will gather the best cyclists, teams, and federations from around the world to celebrate and recognise achievements from the road racing season.
The gala will take place on 9th December 2026 at the Benidorm Cultural Centre, reinforcing the town’s standing as a leading location for international cycling and furthering its commitment to sports tourism.
The event will bring together key figures from both men’s and women’s professional cycling for an evening dedicated to honouring the leaders of the UCI world rankings. Awards will be presented to the top riders, teams, and nations in the 2026 UCI World Ranking. In addition, the most popular riders of the year, chosen by fans voting through official UCI platforms, will also be recognised.
Securing the host position provides significant backing for Benidorm’s strategy to establish itself as a destination for major sporting events. In recent years, the town has staged top-tier competitions such as the Cyclo-cross World Cup, turning the Foietes and El Moralet circuit into a prominent fixture on the international calendar that attracts thousands of fans from across Europe. The international broadcast of the UCI Gala will project Benidorm’s image to millions of viewers worldwide.
The town shares a long-standing connection with cycling, having previously hosted the Road World Championships in 1992. Benidorm and the wider province of Alicante have also become favoured destinations for professional training camps, thanks to the local climate, quality road network, and extensive hotel infrastructure.
Hosting the ceremony is expected to bring a substantial economic boost, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, shops, and service providers through the arrival of athletes, officials, sponsors, and media representatives. Furthermore, the event comes as Benidorm bids to host the 2031 Cyclo-cross World Championships, following a recent visit from a UCI delegation to assess local venues and infrastructure.
