The continental event will take place from 21 to 26 August
Following the closure of the Montichiari Velodrome by the local authorities which should have hosted the 2018 edition of the Junior Track and Under 23 European Championships, the Union Européenne de Cyclisme immediately took action so that the event could go ahead. A few hours ago, the Union Cycliste Internationale gave its full agreement to organise the continental championships that will be held at the World Cycling Centre Velodrome in Aigle (Switzerland) from 21 to 26 August.
Rocco Cattaneo, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme: « A few days ago we were informed about the situation of the Montichiari Velodrome and the loss of such a major event like the European Championships which would have been harmful for the whole cycling world. As soon as we heard the news that the event had been cancelled, we were contacted by the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale, David Lappartient, who immediately gave his full agreement to allow the Championships to take place. We very quickly worked out all the details and are now ready to organise this event in which more than 300 young riders will take part to win the 44 titles on offer.
The Championships will now be held in one of our sport’s symbolic venues the «home» of cycling which will host the Junior World Championships a few days before the European Championships.
On behalf of the European cycling family, I would like to sincerely thank the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale, David Lappartient, for his generosity and willingness, the Mayor of Aigle, Frédéric Borloz, the Canton of Vaud and Swiss Cycling but especially all the National Federations who have had to change their travel plans and logistics, aware however that this will be an exceptional event due to a case of force majeure. I would also like to thank the Italian Cycling Federation and its President Renato Di Rocco, who made great efforts to try to stop the Montichiari Velodrome from being closed and who will take an active part in the event in Aigle by providing its own commissaires.»
