The 2026 UEC Junior & U23 Track European Championships came to a close at the Cottbus Velodrome (Germany), following six intense days of competition that brought together 436 athletes representing 32 nations to contest 44 European titles, in one of the most prestigious events on the UEC calendar dedicated to youth Track cycling.
In the final medals table, Italy came out on top with 14 gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze medals, ahead of Germany (9, 6 and 4) and Belarus (3, 1 and 1).
The 2026 edition once again confirmed the very high technical standard of European Track cycling, showcasing athletes already making their mark on the international stage as well as new talents set to make their mark in the years to come.
In the U23 category, Federica Venturelli (Italy) proved her great talent with a remarkable double win in the Individual Pursuit and the Points Race. Palina Konrad triumphed in the Elimination and the Omnium, whilst Clara Schneider (Germany) thrilled the home crowd by clinching the titles in the Sprint and the Keirin. Raphael Kokas (Austria) also achieved a double by winning the Scratch and the Madison.
In the Juniors’ category, Angelina Novolodskaya was the star of these Championships, winning three European titles in the Individual Pursuit, the Omnium and the Madison.
Agata Campana (Italy) also claimed a double, winning the Scratch and the Elimination, as did Emílie Jarošová (Czech Republic), the new European champion in the Sprint and the Keirin.
The German crowd also had plenty to celebrate thanks to the successes of local riders, notably the title in the Junior Men’s Team Sprint, the prestigious double in the Junior Men’s Keirin, and the victory in the U23 Women’s Team Pursuit.
Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme: “With 436 athletes representing 32 nations, this edition of the UEC Junior & U23 Track European Championships has set a new attendance record, confirming the appeal of Track cycling and the importance that National Federations place on youth development. We have witnessed six days of competition of a very high technical standard, featuring young athletes who, I am convinced, will be among the best in international cycling in the years to come.
These Championships represent much more than just a competition: they are a vital step in the sporting and personal development of young riders, a real springboard to elite cycling. Many of the champions who now dominate the international scene made their debut at the velodromes of the Junior & U23 Track European Championships.”
