Traffic notices ahead of UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships
The 2026 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships kick off this weekend, and athletes have already descended upon the Rocket City.
Race organizers encourage North Alabamians to soak in the fun while being mindful of impacts the race will have on traffic.
Cyclists will be competing on a course through Cummings Research Park. As a result, Explorer Boulevard will be closed to accommodate the course.
Road closures start at 4 p.m. on Thursday for training and will reopen at 7 p.m. Roads will close again Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, roads will close from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday, roads will close from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and on Monday, roads will close from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Races will take place Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. All races are free to spectate, and tickets are not needed to watch the races.
“We want everyone to come to the races. They are free. No tickets are needed. Bring the family. Bring a cooler. Bring noise makers, like cowbells or horns. The athletes love to hear you get loud,” encouraged Vice President of Image Development & Communications for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Claire Aiello.
Spectators will have 3 main places to park: Columbia High School (via Farrow Road), Leidos (via Enterprise Way), and the Auburn University Research and Innovation campus (via Voyager Way), which will be the ADA accessible parking location. Restrooms will be available at each location.
Athletes from over 40 countries will participate in the races. The races’ highest honors, 53 Rainbow jerseys and over 150 medals, will be awarded over 4 days.
The World Championships is a major event in the sport of para-cycling and contributes to qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
More information on the races can be found on huntsvilleparaworlds.com.
