Copenhagen to Host Inaugural UCI World Tour Race, Celebrating Denmark’s Rich Cycling Culture

(IN SHORT) Copenhagen is set to debut the Copenhagen Sprint, an exciting new UCI World Tour race, on June 21-22, 2025. The event will showcase the city’s deep cycling culture while offering professional races for both women and men, with a course that takes riders through scenic landmarks and concludes at the SMK – National Gallery of Denmark. In addition to the races, the public can enjoy a variety of activities, including a community bike ride, making this a celebration for all ages. The event highlights Denmark’s long-standing passion for cycling, bringing together elite athletes and everyday cyclists in an event that celebrates two-wheeled travel.

(PRESS RELEASE) COPENHAGEN, 2025-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Copenhagen, known for its deep-rooted cycling culture, is set to host the first-ever Copenhagen Sprint, an annual UCI World Tour race, on June 21-22, 2025. The event will celebrate the city’s status as one of the world’s leading cycling destinations, where bicycles outnumber cars, and cycling is an essential part of daily life.

For the first time, Denmark’s cycling capital will welcome elite cyclists from around the world, showcasing both the thrill of high-speed competition and the vibrancy of local cycling culture. Copenhagen Sprint will be more than just a race—it’s a full celebration of cycling, with public activities including fun rides, fan zones, food and drink stalls, music, and a bicycle festival. People of all ages are invited to join in the two-wheeled excitement throughout the weekend.

The world’s top female and male cyclists will compete in the race, covering 170 km for women and 230 km for men. The race will begin at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, taking riders through Zealand’s scenic landscapes and historic landmarks, including Frederikssund, Hillerød, and the majestic Frederiksborg Castle. Men’s competitors will also pass the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk before entering Copenhagen, where the race will culminate at the iconic SMK – National Gallery of Denmark.

Why bring a new UCI World Tour race to Denmark? The answer lies in Denmark’s long-standing love affair with cycling. Since the late 1800s, bicycles have been a popular mode of transportation for Danes, with more than 12,000 km of dedicated cycling lanes and tracks across the country. Remarkably, only 4 in 10 Danes own a car, while 9 in 10 own a bike. Cycling accounts for 21% of trips under 10 kilometers, and more than half of Copenhagen’s residents commute to work or school by bike.

Cycling is embedded in the Danish way of life, with dedicated bike lanes, bicycle highways, two-tier bike parking, and even free bike transport on public S-trains. Whether it’s rain, sunshine, or fierce winds, 75% of Danes continue cycling through the winter, often balancing groceries or even Christmas trees on their cargo bikes.

The Copenhagen Sprint will shine a spotlight on Denmark’s cycling legacy, bringing together professional athletes and everyday cyclists in a celebration of two-wheeled travel. The race is a testament to Denmark’s passion for cycling, a passion that will now be shared with the world.

Race Dates & Route:

• June 21, 2025: Women’s race – 170 km (140 km from Roskilde to Copenhagen + 3 laps on a 10 km circuit in Copenhagen)
• June 22, 2025: Men’s race – 230 km (180 km from Roskilde to Copenhagen + 5 laps on a 10 km circuit in Copenhagen)

Expected Riders in 2025:

• 18 UCI World Tour Teams
• 3 Pro Teams
• Notable riders include Alexander Kristoff, Jonathan Milan, Jasper Philipsen, Wout van Aert, Dylan Groenewegen, Biniam Girmay, Mads Pedersen, Emma Norsgaard, Lorena Wiebes, Chiara Consonni, Charlotte Kool

Community Bike Race:

• On June 21, the Midsummer Community Ride invites all citizens to cycle for free on the closed-off circuit, offering a unique opportunity to experience cycling in Copenhagen without the presence of cars. This event is open to everyone—from families with cargo bikes to road cycling enthusiasts—and will feature a parade of teams and groups from various associations and organizations.

Media contact:

Monica Svendsmark Hansen
Denmark, Corporate Press
msh@visitdenmark.com
+45 2296 5598

SOURCE: VisitDenmark