Sakarya, a city renowned for its devotion to sports and athletes, hosted a spectacular launch event for the upcoming UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Championship and World Cup, which will be held simultaneously for the first time in the world at the UCI Sunflower Valley. The night, marked by dazzling lights, performances, and a memorable concert by renowned pianist Yücel Arzen, drew thousands who began the countdown to these two major competitions set for June. Mayor Yusuf Alemdar declared, “You are in a city that carries its proud history of success into the future with confidence. Sakarya has the transportation, infrastructure, and facilities to host events of this scale. We know that this city will always be remembered for the power of brotherhood. We invite all sports lovers to join us in June for these two major international events.”
A Global First: Two Major UCI Events in One City, One Calendar
For the first time globally, the UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Championship and World Cup will take place in the same city and within the same calendar window. The grand launch event, held at Serdivan Indoor Sports Hall under the patronage of the Turkish Presidency and with the leadership of Mayor Alemdar, served as a powerful introduction to this historic milestone.
High-Profile Attendance and a Festive Atmosphere
The event saw wide participation, including AK Party Sakarya MP Ertuğrul Kocacık, President of the Turkish Cycling Federation Emin Müftüoğlu, City Mountain Bike Program CEO Kristoph Bruyneel, MHP Provincial Chair Oğuz Alkaş, AK Party Women’s Branch Chair Duygu Çetin, district mayors, senior municipal officials, SATSO Assembly Chair Erdem Ercan, Sakarya Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Cemil Boz, ASKF President Yaşar Zımba, Federation of Mukhtars Chair Erdal Erdem, Sports Club Chair Enes Zengin, NGO representatives, journalists, and hundreds of sports enthusiasts.
Yücel Arzen’s Concert Leaves a Lasting Impression
The highlight of the evening was a moving performance by pianist and composer Yücel Arzen, who presented works inspired by the patriotic poems of Necip Fazıl Kısakürek and other national themes. The audience sang in unison, while bike stunts, traditional dances, acrobatic acts, and light shows created an unforgettable atmosphere.
54 Lucky Winners Receive Bicycles
As part of the celebration, 54 bicycles were awarded to lucky participants through a live drawing during the program.
Mayor Alemdar: “Sakarya’s Strength Lies in Its Infrastructure”
Mayor Yusuf Alemdar emphasized that Sakarya’s recognition as a cycling city stems from its robust infrastructure and world-class facilities. “We have successfully hosted five major events and are now preparing for the sixth. We welcome all sports enthusiasts from around the world, Turkey, and our own city to these incredible June events. The Sunflower Bicycle Valley gives us the opportunity to host events that meet European standards,” he said.
“Sakarya Will Always Be Remembered for the Power of Brotherhood”
Alemdar also expressed pride in welcoming champions from across the globe, stating, “With its greenery, nature, rich culture, and status as a tourism destination, Sakarya is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It will be remembered as a place where colors and cultures unite, symbolizing the power of brotherhood through sports. Sakarya is a cycling city and a city of brotherhood. I urge our youth to follow these developments closely and contribute to Sakarya’s sports legacy.”
Müftüoğlu: “We Are Reaping the Rewards”
President of the Turkish Cycling Federation Emin Müftüoğlu shared his excitement, noting, “We are now reaping the rewards of seeds planted in Sakarya years ago. I extend my thanks to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his support of the cycling community.”
Bruyneel: “Your Leadership Is Inspiring”
Representing UCI, City Mountain Bike CEO Kristoph Bruyneel said, “It’s a great honor to be here. These events are not easy to organize—they require courage and vision. Thank you, Mayor Alemdar, for your leadership. Your efforts inspire the world.”
UCI Action in June: First the Championship, Then the World Cup
Set against the lush green backdrop of Sakarya, the UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Championship will take place on June 21–22, 2025, followed by the UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup on June 28–29, 2025—both at the Sunflower Bicycle Valley.
Every turn, obstacle, and attack will add to the unforgettable nature of the competition, bringing together the world’s top mountain bikers. With more than 30 countries represented by elite athletes, Sakarya will affirm its position as a global cycling hub, using the universal language of sport to reach the world.
