The city of Rimini will host the 2026 edition of Velo-city, the world cycling summit organized by the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) which returns to Italy - from 16 to 19 June 2026 - thirty-five years after the distant edition of 1991 in Milan.
Source: press release
Velo-city is the main world event on cycling, which attracts more than 1.500 delegates from over 60 countries every year and which acts as a moment of discussion and exchange of knowledge for the promotion of active and sustainable mobility. It brings together all the main figures involved in the definition of policies, in the promotion and creation of cycling infrastructures, fundamental for a true transition of our cities: from advocacy organizations to political decision makers, from the academic world to sector companies.
For its candidacy, the City of Rimini was supported by FIAB-Federazione Italiana Ambiente e Bicicletta, Italian member of ECF, which played a leading role in the presentation of the project. The winning team also includes ANCI-National Association of Italian Municipalities as well as Visit Rimini and PCO AIM Group International which, together with ECF, are organizers of the 2026 edition of Velo-city.
ECF rewarded Rimini's candidacy for its ability to move towards sustainable mobility, transforming itself into a livable and healthy city.
“We are thrilled to bring our most important event to Rimini, a city that has achieved an extremely significant transformation from a car-centric environment to a people-oriented city – says Jill Warren, CEO of ECF. – Rimini's constant attention to sustainable mobility stands out in projects such as the redevelopment and pedestrianization of its seafront, the Bike Park, the development of the cycle network and integrated transport services: a clear commitment towards a truly sustainable future. In recent years, ECF has had the pleasure of collaborating with Rimini on various projects and we are certain that the 2026 edition of Velo-city will be unforgettable".
“An enormous satisfaction for FIAB-Italian Environment and Bicycle Federation which has worked for years with the city of Rimini and its partners to bring Velo-city back to Italy – echoes Alessandro Tursi, FIAB President and former ECF Vice President. – The centrality of FIAB is confirmed by having obtained the key role of Program Director of the event, we are proud and aware of the responsibility we have in defining and coordinating the contents. We will open Italy to the world: for the Municipalities, also involved through the agreement with ANCI, it will be an extraordinary opportunity to learn about innovative models and connect with realities that are leading the way".
Great satisfaction also expressed by the Mayor of Rimini, Jamil Sadegholvaad: "This is a result that consolidates Rimini's entry fully among the virtuous cities that have chosen to be committed to the promotion and creation of infrastructures and policies in favor of active mobility that perfectly captures the time of change in the city, the result of processes and interventions carried out and underway, within a vision of development that places sustainable mobility at the centre. With this prestigious recognition, Rimini will be at the center of the spotlight on the topic of cycling at an international level".
The 30th edition of Velo-city, in 2023, was held in Germany in Leipzig which passed the baton to Ghent in Belgium, where this year's summit will be held (18 to 21 June 2024). After the 2025 edition scheduled for Gdansk in Poland, Italy with the city of Rimini will host Velo-city in 2026.
European Cyclists' Federation (ECF): With nearly 70 member organizations in over 40 countries, ECF is the world's largest and best-known advocacy organization dedicated to cycling. The federation's aim is to improve and increase cycling by influencing policies and harnessing the strength of European cycling movements.
