Benidorm to Host 2031 UCI Cyclocross World Championships

Benidorm has secured the right to host the 2031 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, bringing one of international cycling's major events to the Costa Blanca.

The announcement was made by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) on 23 September, with confirmation reported by local media on 24 September.

Benidorm prepares for a major sporting event

Benidorm will welcome the world's leading cyclocross riders in 2031, following several years of hosting international cycling competitions.

The resort first hosted a UCI Cyclocross World Cup round in 2023 and has since staged four editions of the event, attracting elite riders and cycling fans from across Europe.

The World Championships will represent another significant step in the city's growing relationship with the sport.

Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing that takes place on a short circuit, typically featuring grass, mud, sand, steep climbs and obstacles that sometimes require riders to dismount and carry their bikes.

Unlike traditional road cycling, races are held over multiple laps of a compact course, making the action accessible to spectators who can watch riders pass several times.

A boost for winter tourism?

Benidorm's international cycling events have helped bring visitors to the resort outside the traditional summer holiday season.

The World Championships could provide another opportunity to attract sports fans, cycling enthusiasts and international visitors during the winter months.

Local hotels, restaurants and businesses may also benefit from the additional visitors attending the competition, although the precise economic impact and event arrangements have yet to be confirmed.

Benidorm previously hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 1992, meaning the 2031 cyclocross event will mark another major milestone in the city's sporting history.

With several years remaining before the championships, further details about the course, programme and visitor arrangements are expected to emerge closer to the event.

For Benidorm, the announcement reinforces its ambition to remain a year-round destination, combining its established beach tourism with major sporting events.

The Beni Post will bring readers further updates as arrangements for the 2031 championships are confirmed.