The 2022 season will be the ninth of the originally planned ten-round series, which will take place from 17 to 19 August. The event has again received a great response, how do you see and experience it as an organiser and race director?

– Many of you know that bringing the competition to Hungary was the result of three years of hard preparatory work. Accordingly, expectations are high both at home and abroad, as we are compared to the Paris-Roubaix. With this in mind, we are constantly striving to improve and develop. We follow international trends and rule changes, and strive to simplify and optimise our internal processes. We welcome and use constructive criticism and welcome feedback of any other kind. We have the top of the age group competing for us, with future world champions showcasing their talents and receiving WorldTeam contracts after the competition. I think this in itself is a recognition that we are giving them the opportunity to prove themselves in the right conditions and at the top of their game.

For the Hungarian riders, it is of paramount importance who will ultimately win the distinctive national jersey. In the long run, the World Cup could even be a new milestone in the domestic cycling scene?

– Every year there is a serious fight between the national riders, as a good performance can bring a professional career within reach. Participation in races is always a priority. If there is no Hungarian competitor in a foreign club team, twelve Hungarian cyclists can compete in accordance with the rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). This is of course an inspiration for the younger generation (14-16 year olds), who can soon prove themselves in a world competition organised by their home country, showing their talent in an international peloton that is by no means weak.

Any news on next year’s race?

– It is expected to be a circuit, similar to this year’s World Cup stages. The road race stages are scheduled for the first two days, followed by a decisive individual time trial to determine the general classification.