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The program for the large-scale sporting event, scheduled to take place in Penza Oblast from July 7 to 14, 2025, was announced during a briefing at the regional government. The event was attended by Dmitry Bryukhanov, Deputy Head of the Regional Ministry of Sports, Pavel Kostyukov, Director General of the Russian Cycling Federation, and Maksim Chernyshov, President of the Regional Cycling Federation.
The official opening ceremony will be held on July 11 at 11:00 at the House of Officers Cultural Center. Distinguished guests will include Yuri Kucherevy, President of the Russian Cycling Federation, Pavel Kostyukov, and Russian track and field athlete and Olympic champion Yuri Borzakovsky.
"This event will be unique for Penza Oblast and the country, covering all cycling disciplines. The strongest athletes from Russia and Belarus will participate, approximately 1,000 people in total," noted the deputy head of the ministry.
Pavel Kostyukov emphasized that preparations for the event had been underway for five years.
"Penza Oblast was not chosen as the venue by chance. The region has all the necessary infrastructure to ensure comfortable conditions for participants. The Saturn Velodrome is a prime example of a sports facility that meets high standards. Located in the park area of the Arbekovo district with convenient access to the highway, it is one of only seven such facilities in Russia and the only one in the Volga Federal District capable of hosting competitions of this level," he stated, thanking the Penza Oblast government for its comprehensive support in organizing the event.
The briefing also highlighted Penza Oblast's significant contribution to the development of BMX in Russia. The first BMX track and club appeared in the working settlement of Issa in 1989. Later, in 1996, a similar track was built at the Saturn Velodrome, where the Lokomotiv-Penza cycling club was founded in 2007. Today, this track is one of the leading centers for BMX racing in the country.
Maksim Chernyshov reported that 150 young athletes from Penza Oblast will compete for victory in the overall championship.
"Such a large number of participants from the region has been made possible thanks to our three cycling training centers: Sports School No. 4, the Olympic Reserve School, and the Comprehensive Olympic Reserve Sports School," explained the president of the regional cycling federation.
The championship will feature four main cycling disciplines developed in Penza Oblast: BMX, track, road, and mountain biking. Additionally, on July 11, a new discipline, BMX freestyle, will make its debut. This event will take place from 17:00 to 20:30 on the fountain square in the city of Sputnik. Currently, 11 athletes train in BMX freestyle under the guidance of one coach.
On July 13, a cycling parade will be held. Anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can participate. Registration begins at 9:00 on the fountain square in Sputnik, while the event starts at 10:00.
Photo provided by the press service of the Penza Oblast Government.