The UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) -- the training and education center of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) based in Aigle, Switzerland -- inaugurated China's first Continental Development Satellite in Shanghai on Saturday.

As the ninth UCI WCC Satellite in the world and the fourth in Asia, the Shanghai UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite is located on Chongming Island, which is known in the cycling world for hosting the annual Tour of Chongming Island, a women's stage race that has been on the UCI Women's World Tour calendar since 2017.

Covering an area of about 56 hectares, the Shanghai center includes a 250-meter indoor velodrome, a BMX Racing track, a BMX Freestyle park, training roads, a weights room, and athlete accommodation and restaurant.

"With the inauguration of the first UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite on Chinese soil, a new era in the development of cycling in Asia and around the world has begun. The activities of this center will stimulate the growth of cycling in this very important region of the world," said UCI President David Lappartient.

The President of the Chinese Cycling Association Cui Dalin said: "We are honored that Shanghai has been given the status of UCI World Cycling Centre Continental Development Satellite. With this new appointment, we will have the opportunity to greatly contribute to the growth of cycling in the region through education and athlete development initiatives in the disciplines of BMX Racing, BMX Freestyle, track and road, including para-cycling. There is so much growth potential in the region and we are grateful to have been chosen to assist in unlocking that potential."

The launch of the Shanghai center will help to explore and cultivate the potential of athletes from emerging cycling nations through training camps, quality coaches and facilities supporting; promote the number of participants and competitive level of these countries; and provide systematic training courses for coaches and mechanics.

The Shanghai Velodrome will host the UCI Track World Championships in 2026.