The University of Richmond in the US has struck a deal to become a major partner of the 2015 International Cycling Union (UCI) Road World Championships.
The nine-day cycling event will take place from September 19-27 in Richmond, the state capital of Virginia.
Under the deal that was agreed with event organising committee Richmond 2015, the university will host the official start of the Men’s Elite Road Race on the final day of the competition.
The university will also stage the UCI Gala, a pre-tournament social event that is expected to attract up to 500 attendees from the UCI, Richmond 2015 and their respective guests.
After being staged in Ponferrada, Spain last year, the competition will return to the US for the first time since 1986.