At its last Management Board meeting on 5 December and following various online consultations, the Union Européenne de Cyclisme approved and awarded the following European Championships:
- 2024 UEC Juniors Indoor Cycling European Championships – Amorbach (Germany)
- 2025 UEC Juniors Indoor Cycling European Championships – Dad (Hungary)
- 2026 UEC MTB Marathon European Championships – Ramales de la Victoria (Spain)
- 2026 UEC Gravel European Championships, Houffalize (Belgium)
Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européeene de Cyclisme: "The awarding of these Championships completes the UEC calendar of activities for the coming seasons, and in this case it does so with events that combine the tradition of cycling with a youthful, dynamic vitality that reflects the constant evolution of our sport.
Over the years, Indoor Cycling has maintained a steady interest and appeal, particularly among young people in some countries, while Mountain Bike Marathon and Gravel have established themselves as fast-growing disciplines, attracting not only world-class riders, but also and above all many enthusiasts of all ages who, thanks to the fusion of adventure and competition, can enjoy unforgettable experiences on less-travelled roads.
This confirms the Union Européeene de Cyclisme’s philosophy of supporting and promoting the diversity of cycling disciplines and the innovations that characterise modern cycling. I would like to thank the Presidents of the National Federations of Germany, Rudolf Scharping, Hungary, Péter Princzinger, Spain, José Luis López Cerrón, and Belgium, Tom van Damme, for the great availability and attention with which they have always supported our activity. My special thanks go to Golazo and its director Christophe Impens, whose professionalism and impeccable organisation we have been able to appreciate over the last few seasons, and who represent a real guarantee for the 2026 European Gravel Championships ".
José Luis López Cerrón, President of Real Federación Española de Ciclismo: "We are proud that Ramales de la Victoria will host the XCM European Championships in 2026.
MTB keeps growing in Spain and enjoying an event of this level will be very positive for our cycling. Cantabria and Ramales de la Victoria are an ideal place to hold a competition like this, besides having all the organizational experience to make this event a success".
Tom van Damme, President of Belgian Cycling: “Belgium was the proud host of the European championships gravel in 2023. Thousands of spectators on the course cheered for Jasper Stuyven, the winner of the men elite race in Oud-Heverlee. Gravel racing is booming, and that’s why Belgian Cycling is happy that the UEC appointed Houffalize to organize the European championships in 2026.
Houffalize is a familiar name in the international cycling world, mainly in mountainbike. But I’m convinced the city in the heart of the Ardennes will be ready for the task. The course and the scenery will be amazing, I can promise you that. Once again, it will be great to see amateurs racing alongside professional riders. That’s exactly what makes gravel racing so unique.”
Christophe Impens, Head of Cycling Golazo: “After having successfully organized the very first ever UEC Gravel European Championships in the Forests of Brabant on October 1st, 2023, Golazo is motivated to increase its involvement in the wonderful sports of gravel cycling.
In 2024 Golazo will organize the UCI Gravel World Championships between Halle and Leuven in Flanders. Thanks to the close collaboration between UEC and Golazo, we took the opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of the South of our country. Therefore, we are extremely happy that the wonderful City of Houffalize have been awarded the 2026 UEC Gravel European Championships. Houffalize and Golazo are used to organize high-level gravel and off-road events, thanks to the yearly “Houffa Gravel”, the Belgian UCI Gravel World Series qualifier event and the Roc d’Ardenne, the biggest mountain bike festival in the Benelux.”
Marc Knoden, Echevin des Sports à Houffalize: "A Christmas present before its time... We are delighted to learn that Belgium has been chosen to host the 2026 European Gravel Championships.
On the strength of its experience in organising large-scale national and international cycling events (MTB XCO World Cup rounds, road races, Gravel World Cup rounds, etc.), the Commune of Houffalize, with its technical staff, its equipment and its army of volunteers, is ready to organise a European Gravel Championships and is officially submitting its bid to the UEC for this 2026 edition.
We are well aware of the importance of an organisation of this size, and take it on board. The Commune of Houffalize is accustomed to organising numerous cycling events, very regularly in collaboration with Golazo, and is happy to welcome you and offer you marvellous nature, which, between hills and valleys, reveals superb landscapes. The terrain is particularly well-suited to Gravel and promises a great battle between specialists in the discipline".
