Our Mission
WACE — the World Association of Cycling Events — is an association of cycling events formed to promote and increase cycling around the world. By connecting major international mass participation rides, WACE helps grow the sport and inspire more people to experience cycling at its most exhilarating.
The Association was formed in Rome on 24 July 2015, bringing together six of the most prestigious and largest mass participation cycling events on the planet. Together, WACE member events attract more than 200,000 participants from 90 countries annually.
WACE brings together the world's most celebrated mass participation cycling events under a single, collaborative umbrella. The association was founded on the belief that connecting major rides across continents can amplify the sport's reach and impact. By sharing best practices, safety standards, and organizational expertise, member events help each other grow while maintaining their unique local character. Riders who participate in WACE events experience a consistent level of quality and organization, whether they are cycling through historic European cities, along coastal routes in Africa, or across challenging terrain in the Americas. This global network transforms individual rides into a worldwide movement, encouraging more people to take up cycling and discover the joy of shared athletic achievement.
The association's charter members represent some of the most iconic cycling events on the calendar, each with its own rich history and dedicated following. These events feature closed roads, timed segments, and fully supported routes that allow cyclists of all abilities to ride safely alongside thousands of fellow enthusiasts. From the rolling hills of Italy to the scenic waterfronts of Sweden and the bustling streets of major capitals, WACE events showcase the diversity of cycling experiences available worldwide. The collective reach of these rides extends far beyond the events themselves, inspiring local communities to embrace cycling as a healthy, sustainable mode of transport and recreation throughout the year.
WACE is committed to promoting cycling as a force for positive change in communities around the globe. The association encourages member events to implement sustainable practices, support local charities, and create inclusive environments that welcome riders of every background and ability level. Through social media channels and digital platforms, WACE connects cyclists year-round, sharing stories, training tips, and event highlights that keep the spirit of the ride alive between seasons. This ongoing engagement helps build a vibrant, supportive global cycling community where participants can share their passion, set new goals, and discover the next great cycling adventure waiting for them.
Charter Members
The founding members of WACE represent the pinnacle of mass participation cycling across four continents:
Cape Town Cycle Tour
Cape Town, South Africa — the largest timed cycling event in the world, attracting over 35,000 cyclists each year.
Vätternrundan
Motala, Sweden — a legendary 300 km ride around Lake Vättern, held every year since 1966.
L'Étape du Tour
France — ride stages of the Tour de France on closed roads, held since 1993.
TD Five Boro Bike Tour
New York City, USA — America's largest charitable bike ride, first held in 1977.
RideLondon
London, UK — the world's greatest festival of cycling, created as a legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games.
Gran Fondo Roma
Rome, Italy — a celebration of cycling culture in the Eternal City, open to amateurs and families.
Global Reach
WACE events span four continents and bring together a diverse community of cyclists — from seasoned competitors to first-time riders. The association's shared goal is to make cycling more accessible, more visible, and more celebrated worldwide.
Whether it's the coastal roads of Cape Town, the car-free streets of New York, the alpine climbs of the Tour de France route, or the historic avenues of Rome, each WACE event offers a unique and unforgettable experience.