MAPEI to mark 2026 UCI Road World Championships with cycling and community initiatives
Credit Arianne Nantel Gagnon
As Montreal prepares to host the 2026 UCI Road World Championships, Laval-based MAPEI Canada will take part as a Main Partner through a series of cycling and community activities involving employees, customers, partners and local organizations.
The company announced on September 9 that its participation will include a bicycle donation initiative, participation in the Rando Vélo and a presence along the race route during the Championships.
99 bicycles for 99 families
MAPEI will hold the third edition of its Build-to-Give initiative in collaboration with Cycling Canada.
The program will bring employees and volunteers together to assemble 99 bicycles, which will then be donated to 99 families. The number was chosen to mark the 99th edition of the UCI Road World Championships, according to the company.
MAPEI says the initiative is being carried out with support from MyFirstBicycle, Espoirs Laval, the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes and the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal.
A Build Day is scheduled for Friday, September 18, at MAPEI Canada’s headquarters in Laval. The bicycles are then expected to be distributed during a Give Day on September 23 at Parc Jeanne-Mance in Montreal, on the grounds of the Championships.
“Community isn’t just a word at MAPEI, it’s something we build, literally,” said Mick Kopis, Marketing Director at MAPEI Canada.
Kopis said the initiative began three years ago with 25 bicycles and has since grown to 99.
Plans to expand the program
MAPEI says it intends to continue Build-to-Give in communities across Canada after this year’s event.
The company also says it plans to broaden the initiative through the addition of paracycles and through a new program called (Re)Build-to-Give, which would offer bicycle restoration workshops.
“Our passion for cycling extends far beyond sponsorship and competition,” said Steven Day, Vice-President of Marketing at MAPEI North America.
He said the company wants to work with community partners to help make sports more accessible to families.
Employees and customers to take part in Rando Vélo
On Saturday, September 19, MAPEI employees and customers are also expected to participate in the Rando Vélo, an event being held ahead of the official opening ceremony of the UCI Road World Championships.
Participants will have the opportunity to ride on routes that will later be used by athletes competing in the Championships, according to the company.
MAPEI describes the event as another way to bring employees, customers and cycling enthusiasts together around the competition.
Presence during race week
During the Championships, MAPEI says its branding will be visible at several locations along the course, including the individual time trial start gate and near the finish line.
The company will also operate a hospitality space near the finish area for customers and partners.
MAPEI Canada says it expects to welcome guests from Canada, the United States and the Caribbean during the event.
“We have been part of the cycling community for several decades now, and this year we have the opportunity to experience the UCI Road World Championships right here in North America,” said Luigi Di Geso, President and CEO of MAPEI North America.
He said the event provides an opportunity to bring employees, customers and partners together through cycling while also supporting community initiatives.
MAPEI Canada headquartered in Laval
MAPEI was founded in Milan in 1937 and manufactures chemical products for the construction industry.
According to the company, the MAPEI Group operates 92 subsidiaries in 59 countries and 109 manufacturing plants in 44 countries, with approximately 14,000 employees worldwide.
MAPEI Canada is part of MAPEI North America, which also includes operations in the United States and the Caribbean.
The company’s Canadian headquarters are located in Laval.
