Preparations for Baku 2015 run at high level
By Amina Nazarli
The Slovakian capital, Bratislava hosted the congress of the European Cycling Union (UEC) this week.
Sahib Alakbarov, the vice-president of the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation attended the event.
Addressing the meeting, David Lappartient, the president of the UEC gave special attention to the first European Games to be held in Baku this June.
Brian Cookson, the president of the International Cycling Union hailed Azerbaijan for its many efforts and attention to details in relation to the European Games, noting how important the sporting event is.
Sahib Alakbarov and Vladimiros Petsas, the cycling competition manager for the European Games also delivered their speeches at the meeting, keen to voice their enthusiasm.
Speaking on the preparation process for the European Games, Alakbarov said that many local and foreign professionals have been working on making the Games an unforgettable sporting event.
He also thanked the World and European Cycling Union for their support and invited all guests to attend the incredible competition.
A short film dedicated to the European Games was also screened during the event.
Three cycling disciplines will be included in the Baku European Games such as road, mountain biking and BMX.
There will be a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015 including 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition.
Eleven of the sports will offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Those sports include Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Volleyball and Wrestling.
Baku was awarded the Games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012. The Baku European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC) will organize and run the Games in cooperation with the EOC.
The games will take place in 21 stadia and facilities in Baku and Mingachevir city, and will be broadcasted not only in Europe, but all over the world.
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @amina_nazarli
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