University of Richmond partners with Richmond 2015, will host start of championship bike race

The University of Richmond has partnered with Richmond 2015, the organizer of the UCI Road World Championships, and will host the official start of the Men's Elite Road Race, the University announced on June 26. 

The UCI Road World Championships -- Worlds, for short -- is a nine-day cycling event featuring more than 1,000 of the world's best cyclists from more than 70 countries. The Men's Elite Road Race, which will begin on Boatwright Drive on Sept. 27, is the event's premier race. 

In a press conference on June 26, Richmond president Ed Ayers emphasized the importance of international education and engagement at the university. "We this this international event as an outstanding opportunity to welcome not only the Richmond community, but also the world to our beautiful campus," he said.

The Men's Elite will bring anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 visitors to Richmond's campus, according to a mass email from Ayers. 

Involvement in Worlds gives the university a unique opportunity to engage with the greater Richmond community, participate in a major international event and gain worldwide exposure as a leader in international education. 

Wilson Flohr, CEO of Richmond 2015, said in the press conference that the organization was excited to partner with the University of Richmond. 

"The university has long been a leader in international education," he said. "We are grateful for its involvement in the largest international event to come to Richmond."