The Brompton World Championships are back

The Brompton continues to hold a special place in the hearts of folding bike aficionados. One of the reasons is an event such as the Brompton World Championships. Although the fun day of folding bike action has not been held since 2018, a new event is scheduled for April 16 in Turin, Itlay.

“BWC brings together the great and good and encapsulates the joy and excitement of being part of the Brompton community,” read a message announcing the event on the Brompton Facebook page.

The day will include a 10km race, a ‘fastest fold’ competition, and a best-dressed parade.

“It’s set to be a fun event for everyone involved, with a great opportunity to showcase your skills and passion for Brompton bikes. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. So mark your calendars, grab your Brompton, and get ready to join the fun!”

The Brompton folding bike is a British-made bicycle that has become an icon of urban transportation. Its compact size and innovative folding mechanism have made it a favorite among commuters, city-dwellers, and travelers around the world.

The story of the Brompton bike began in the early 1970s when Andrew Ritchie, a cycling enthusiast from South Kensington, London, set out to design a folding bike that would be easy to carry and store in small apartments or on public transport. Ritchie was inspired by the Moulton bicycle, a unique design that used small wheels and a suspension system to provide a smooth ride.

After several years of tinkering and experimenting, Ritchie came up with the first prototype of the Brompton bike in 1976. The bike featured a unique folding mechanism that allowed the frame to fold in three places, creating a compact package that could be carried easily. The small wheels, combined with the sturdy frame, made the Brompton bike surprisingly agile and comfortable to ride, even in the crowded streets of London.

In the early 2000s, the popularity of the bike took off and has long since achieved cult status with a devoted following of folding bike fans.

Enter the quirky competitions.

Brompton World Championships circa 2013

The first and second Brompton World Championships were held in 2006 and 2007 in Barcelona, Spain. The race moved to England in 2008 and was held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

The race format is unique, and it reflects the Brompton’s folding capabilities. The race starts with participants running to their folded Brompton bikes, which are placed on the ground. They then unfold their bikes and start the race. The race distance is typically around 10-20 km, and it includes both flat and hilly terrain. The race is not a test of speed but a test of endurance, as participants must navigate the course on a Brompton bike, which is not designed for racing.

One of the distinctive features of the Brompton World Championships is its dress code. Participants are required to dress in formal or semi-formal attire, sort of. They must at least wear a suit jacket, tie, and dress shirt. This dress code reflects Brompton’s origins as a bike designed for urban commuting, and it adds an element of fun and quirkiness to the race.

According to the event organizers, the race will take place at 10 a.m. on a 1km route at Turin’s Parco delle Vallere, and will alternate between asphalt and light dirt roads, followed by the folding contest and the costume parade.

“The first and only Italian stage dedicated to lovers of the original folding bike, to pedal, parade, and challenge each other immersed in the greenery of Piedmont.”

Interested in finding out more about folding bikers, here’s our guide.