World cycling body seals deal with Wanda to develop the sport in China
Partnership includes creating six-day Tour of Guangxi and building a development centre for young riders
The International Cycling Union has announced broad plans to develop the sport in China in partnership with Wanda Sports.
The UCI says the deal includes creating a six-day Tour of Guangxi race on the world tour calendar each October, China hosting the UCI’s end-of-season awards gala, and building a development centre for young riders in China.
The UCI says China will also host the new Urban Cycling World Championships annually through to 2019.
UCI president Brian Cookson says the deal is a “wonderful opportunity to engage with literally hundreds of millions more people”.
Wanda’s investment in cycling follows signing a World Cup soccer sponsorship deal with Fifa in March.
Wanda Sports Holding president and vice-chairman is Philippe Blatter, a nephew of disgraced former Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
