Shanghai Marks 100-Day Countdown to 2026 Tissot UCI Track World Championships
Shanghai officially began the 100-day countdown to the 2026 Tissot UCI Track World Championships on July 6, with a launch ceremony held at the Pier 3, Shiliupu. The event featured the unveiling of the official promotional film, the appointment of Olympic champion Zhong Tianshi as Event Promotion Ambassador, and the launch of ticket sales for the highly anticipated championships.
The 2026 Tissot UCI Track World Championships will take place from 14 to 18 October 2026 at the Shanghai Velodrome, marking the first time that the prestigious event will be held in mainland China.
As one of the most important events on the UCI calendar, the Track World Championships bring together the world’s best riders to compete for rainbow jerseys across multiple disciplines. The 2026 edition represents a significant milestone for the development of track cycling in China and further strengthens Shanghai’s role as a host city for major international sporting events.
World-Class Competition Comes to Shanghai
First established in 1893, the Track World Championships is the longest-running and most prestigious world championship event in track cycling, representing the highest level of competition in the discipline.
The 2026 Championships will feature 22 events, including 11 men’s and 11 women’s competitions. The programme includes all Olympic track cycling disciplines, such as Keirin, Madison, Omnium, Sprint, Team Pursuit and Team Sprint, as well as other elite events including Elimination, Individual Pursuit, Points Race, Kilometer Time Trial and Scratch Race.
The event is expected to welcome approximately 400 athletes from around 45 countries and regions. The world’s leading riders will compete in Shanghai for world titles while showcasing the speed, tactics and excitement of track cycling at the highest level.
The Championships will also play an important role in the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with riders competing for valuable qualification points.
UCI President David Lappartient expressed his anticipation for the event in a video message: “It will be the first time the elite UCI Track World Championships are held on mainland China. The 2026 Tissot UCI Track World Championships are also the first chance for riders to gain qualification points for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. So a lot will be at stake! The velodrome in Shanghai is part of the UCI World Cycling Centre Continental Development Satellite. I was impressed by the facilities. The centre is important for the development of cycling in China and across Asia. And in October, it will welcome the most important track cycling competition of the year! It is going to be an incredible occasion. I wish you all the best for the preparations and thank you again for your commitment to our beautiful sport.”
Zhong Tianshi Appointed Event Promotion Ambassador as Ticket Sales Begin
During the ceremony, two-time Olympic champion Zhong Tianshi was officially appointed as Event Promotion Ambassador for the 2026 Tissot UCI Track World Championships.
Zhong will support the promotion of the Championships and help engage more fans with track cycling through a range of public-facing activities.
Ticket sales officially opened on July 6 at 21:00 through Damai and?Maiseat. Single-day tickets start from RMB 60 for adults and RMB 40 for students, while family ticket options are also available.
For fans wishing to attend multiple sessions, weekend 2-day passes (17–18 October) and full event 5-day passes (14–18 October) offer more flexible ways to experience the event.
The official bilingual website of the Championships has also launched at www.ucishanghai2026.com, providing ticketing information, media information, event updates and other official resources.
Building a Stronger Cycling Ecosystem in Shanghai
Shanghai and Chongming District have continued to develop a strong foundation for cycling through international events, world-class facilities and public engagement programmes.
Since 2017, the Tour of Chongming Island has been held annually, becoming an established event on the UCI cycling calendar. In 2025, Chongming further enhanced its profile as a cycling and outdoor sports destination, reflecting the district’s continued efforts to develop a diverse and high-quality sports ecosystem.
The introduction of the Tour of Shanghai New Cities has further expanded Shanghai’s cycling event landscape, creating more opportunities for riders and the public to engage with the sport.
The Shanghai Velodrome, the venue for the 2026 Championships, officially opened in December 2023. Located within the Shanghai Chongming Training Base, the venue meets international standards for elite competitions and is part of the UCI World Cycling Centre?Continental Development Satellite, providing important support for the development of track cycling in China and Asia.
Alongside the growth of competitive cycling, Shanghai is also promoting cycling culture and public participation. The “Rolling Through Shanghai, Racing Against the Wind” Exhibition on Cycling Sports in Shanghai at the Shanghai Sports Museum showcases the history and development of cycling while bringing the sport closer to the public.
With the 2026 Tissot UCI Track World Championships approaching, Shanghai is ready to welcome the world’s best track cyclists to Chongming this October for an exciting celebration of speed, competition and the spirit of cycling.