David Lappartient, UCI President, welcomed all participants of Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup I, Minsk
I am very pleased that the 2019-2020 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup is returning to Minsk nearly two years after it was first hosted by the Belarusian capital. Many of the world’s best track cyclists look back fondly on their battles on the boards of the Minsk Arena Velodrome in the final round of the World Cup in January 2018. And of course, the memories of the wonderful UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk in 2013 are still strong.
This opening round of the 2019-2020 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup from 1-3 November will be packed full of exciting racing. All the Olympic specialties will be contested as well as the points race, Scratch Race and individual pursuit. As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games approach and qualification points become ever more precious, Belarus will welcome some of the world’s best track cyclists. Be prepared for breathtaking turns of speed in the sprint events and superhuman performances in the gruelling endurance races.
The Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup has received wonderful support from the Belarusian government and local authorities. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to them as well as to the event’s sponsors. Of course, we must not forget all the selfless efforts of the volunteers and officials without whom these three days of world-class track racing would not be possible. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Belarusian Cycling Federation and its President and former multiple UCI World Champion Mrs Natallia Tsilinskaya for their consistent promotion and development of cycling in all its forms in Belarus and further afield.
Finally, it remains for me to wish each and every athlete taking part in this round of the 2019-2020 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Minsk the very best of luck in their endeavours on the track!
David Lappartient
UCI President