Cycling World Championships could be on the way to Hong Kong, hope local organisers

The success of next month’s maiden track UCI World Cup in Hong Kong could pave the way for more international competitions with the world championships a possible target, a senior cycling official said.

Leung Hung-tak, chairman of the Hong Kong Cycling Association (HKCA), said they would consider staging a leg of the World Cup series again in 2017 if the response to the inaugural event, to be held at the Hong Kong Velodrome in Tseung Kwan O on January 15-17, was heartening.

They also planned to have more top-class competitions such as the world junior championships and even the world championships.

“We have a top-class facility in place and if we can sort out the financial side, we are likely to go for more world-class events in future,” said Leung.

“The World Cup next month can test the waters. If it turns out to be a great success, I am sure it will get the attention of more potential commercial sponsors so they can play a pivotal role in organising future events.”

The HK$600 million velodrome obtained approval from the UCI to organise world-class events when it opened in late 2013. A UCI delegation also visited the venue two months ago for approving preparation works for next month’s event.