The UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) officially inaugurated its UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite in Lima, Peru, on 1st December. The UCI WCC satellite joins a worldwide network that now comprises nine Continental Development Satellites and a Regional Development Satellite.
The nine Continental Development Satellites are in Anadia (Portugal), Bromont (Canada), Cambridge (New Zealand), Couva (Trinidad and Tobago), Lima (Peru), New Delhi (India), Paarl (South Africa), Shanghai (China) and Yeongju (Korea). The Regional Development Satellite is situated in Shuzenji (Japan).
All satellites work closely with the UCI WCC – the training and education centre of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), based in Aigle, Switzerland – and play a leading role at continental and regional level in the universal development of cycling and sporting excellence. The UCI WCC Continental Development Satellites create opportunities for the National Federations of emerging cycling nations to become more autonomous in implementing their own projects and missions, while promoting the progression of their athletes to the highest level.
The newly-inaugurated UCI WCC Satellite in Lima comprises a covered velodrome, gym, medical centre and athlete accommodation. It is already used as a training centre for National Federations and Peru’s national team. The velodrome and nearby facilities for BMX Racing and BMX Freestyle Park regularly host competitions, and were venues for the 2019 Pan American Games.
In Peru for the inauguration of the new satellite, alongside UCI Vice-President Enrico Della Casa, UCI WCC Director Jacques Landry said: “We are thrilled about the launch of a fully operational Continental Development Satellite in Lima. This initiative, driven by the Peruvian Cycling Federation, will not only support the growth of traditional cycling disciplines through various educational programmes and development opportunities but also place significant emphasis on BMX Freestyle, the newest Olympic cycling discipline.
The UCI and its World Cycling Centre are confident that this satellite will greatly enhance the development of cycling across Central and South America.”
The President of the Peru’s National Federation (Federación Deportiva Peruana de Ciclismo) Gustavo Matus de la Parra said: “We are very happy that our centre in Lima has been designated a UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite, which reflects our commitment to developing cycling. The Peruvian Cycling Federation will work tirelessly with the UCI to achieve our goal of becoming the region’s hub for continuing to grow cycling in America. This high-level training centre in a central South American city will provide greater opportunities for athletes in all countries in the region.”
President of the Panamerican Cycling Confederation (COPACI) José Manuel Pelaez said: “The Pan American Cycling Confederation is very pleased by the inauguration of the Satellite Centre in Lima, and is prepared to develop our athletes in cycling’s five Olympic disciplines. With a view to major events, we can focus on training them step by step so they can develop, compete and achieve.”
Find out more about the UCI WCC Continental and Regional Development Satellites
Photo (left to right): Mrs Sonia Gregoria Ramos Acuña, Member of the UCI Management Commitee and President of the Federación Boliviana de Ciclismo ; Mr José Manuel Pelaez, Member of the UCI Management Commitee and President of the Confederación Panamericana de Ciclismo ; Mr Victor Romero, Member ot the Federación Deportiva Peruana de Ciclismo ; Mr Enrico Della Casa, Vice-president of the UCI ; Mrs Salomé Ernotte, UCI WCC Satellites Network Coordinator ; Mr Jacques Landry, UCI WCC Director ; Mr Gustavo Matus de la Parra, President of the Federación Deportiva Peruana de Ciclismo.
Photo credit: Legado Fotografías