Copenhagen first to get UCI Bike City branding

UCI president Pat McQuaid met with the Danish Minister for Sport, Mr Brian Mikkelsen, and the Mayor of Copenhagen, Mr Martin Geertsen, to sign the UCI Bike City contract between the International Cycling Union and the city of Copenhagen yesterday. The Denmark city is the first city to be awarded the UCI Bike City label, which recognizes "internationally renowned cities wanting to get involved in cycling (from competition to sport for all), as an environmentally-friendly leisure sport and a gentle means of transport," according to a statement from the UCI.

"The UCI is delighted with Copenhagen's commitment to cycling," read a statement from the organisation, "both in terms of the organisation of high level competitions as well is in the development of leisure cycling on a daily basis."

The awarding of the 'UCI Bike City' label is decided based on criteria such as the international standing of the city and its active commitment to develop cycling in the form of organisation of cycling events, network of cycle tracks and other quality facilities.

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Cities that wish to obtain this label can submit an application to the UCI to organise events on the UCI international calendar such as World Cups, World Championships and other UCI races in any of the governing body's recognized disciplines.

Copenhagen will host UCI BMX Supercross World Cup races in 2008 and 2009, a UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics race in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, as well as the 2010 UCI Track Cycling World Championships and the 2011 UCI Road World Championships.