Denmark Celebrates Its Cycling Heritage with Copenhagen Sprint

Imagine cycling through a city where bikes outnumber cars, where even the busiest streets have dedicated bike lanes, and where cycling is an integral part of everyday life.

Welcome to Copenhagen, one of the world’s leading cycling cities and the proud host of the first-ever Copenhagen Sprint, a world-class professional cycling race set to debut on June 21-22, 2025.

For the first time, Denmark’s cycling capital will welcome Copenhagen Sprint, an annual UCI World Tour race designed to bridge the gap between elite sport and local communities. This event is more than just about speed – it is a full celebration of cycling culture. With public activities such as fun rides, fan zones, food and drink, music, and a bicycle festival, people of all ages are invited to join in the two-wheeled excitement.

The world’s top female and male cyclists will compete in Copenhagen Sprint, racing 170 km for women and 230 km for men.

Starting at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, the route takes riders through some of Zealand’s most scenic and historic locations. Passing through Frederikssund, the race continues to Hillerød, where cyclists will ride past the spectacular Frederiksborg Castle. Further along the men’s route, riders will pass by the renowned Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk before entering Copenhagen. The race will culminate at the iconic SMK – National Gallery of Denmark, marking an unforgettable finish in the heart of the capital.

But why introduce a new UCI World Tour race in Denmark? Since the late 1800s, cycling has been a favored mode of transportation for Danes of all ages. With over 12,000 km of dedicated cycling lanes and tracks across the country, Denmark is built for bicycles, making cycling both a safe and efficient means of transport.

Remarkably, only 4 in 10 Danes own a car, while a staggering 9 in 10 own a bike. Cycling accounts for 21% of trips under 10 kilometers in Denmark, with more than half of Copenhagen’s residents biking to work or school.

Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to get around Denmark. There are dedicated bike lanes – sometimes wider than car lanes – two-tier bike parking, free bike transport on public S-trains, bicycle highways, and even rush-hour cycling traffic.

Even in the harshest weather conditions, cycling remains a way of life. Whether it’s rain, sunshine, or winds so strong it feels like pedaling backwards, 75% of Danes continue to cycle through the winter, often balancing groceries or even Christmas trees on their cargo bikes.

From scenic coastal rides to daily commutes through historic city streets, cycling is deeply embedded in Danish culture. Now, with Copenhagen Sprint, Denmark’s cycling legacy will be celebrated on the world stage, bringing together professional athletes and everyday cyclists in an event that honors the nation’s passion for two-wheeled travel.

Facts: Copenhagen Sprint

Race Dates & Route:

• June 21, 2025: Women’s race – 170 km (140 km from Roskilde to Copenhagen + 3 laps on a 10 km circuit in Copenhagen)
• June 22, 2025: Men’s race – 230 km (180 km from Roskilde to Copenhagen + 5 laps on a 10 km circuit in Copenhagen)

Expected Riders in 2025:

• 18 UCI World Tour Teams
• 3 Pro Teams
• Notable expected riders: Alexander Kristoff, Jonathan Milan, Jasper Philipsen, Wout van Aert, Dylan Groenewegen, Biniam Girmay, Mads Pedersen, Emma Norsgaard, Lorena Wiebes, Chiara Consonni, Charlotte Kool

Community Bike Race:

• Taking place on June 21, the longest day of the year, the Midsummer Community Ride invites all citizens to cycle for free on the closed-off circuit.
• A unique opportunity to experience cycling in Copenhagen without cars.
• Open to everyone—from families with cargo bikes to road cycling enthusiasts.
• The event will also feature a parade of teams and groups from various associations and organizations.