Dear Sportfriends!

I am delighted to accept the position of patron of the UEC Indoor Cycling Elite European Championships, as I am proud to host another international sport event.

The cycling sport in Hungary is growing steadily, and the fact that Hungarian riders are able to compete at ever higher levels and even achieve results is undoubtedly a factor in this.

Not to mention the fact that Hungary has hosted international races in recent years with a strong international participation and world-class teams.

While the Tour de Hongrie is also going from strength to strength, this year Budapest will also host the Giro d'Italia, arguably one of the most patriotic and watched cycling tours in the world.

The UEC Indoor Cycling Elite European Championships in Nyíregyháza will certainly bring one of the most spectacular disciplines of the sport to the city, as the artistic cycling and cycle ball competitors perform with breath-taking skill and balance, making the competition a real treat for the spectators.

The city of Nyíregyháza has already proven its willingness to welcome the sport's pacemakers on several occasions, having hosted several international cycling competitions in recent years.

This is a guarantee that the city is well prepared to host the event, and that we can provide all the necessary conditions to organise such a big race, to cater for the needs of the competitors and their helpers, or even the fans.

I wish all the athletes to leave with a good memories after an exciting race, and I wish our Hungarian talents to achieve their goals by taking full advantage of the home field.

Dr. Tünde Szabó
State Secretary for Sport