Cycle2Connect
CYCLE2CONNECT – European Student Cycling Challenge 2027 is an Erasmus+ Sport project that brings together students, universities, sports organisations and cities from across Europe to promote sustainable mobility, healthier lifestyles and social inclusion through cycling. Running from March 2026 until August 2027, the project engages partners from 12 European countries and culminates with the European Student Cycling Challenge Final in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on June 10, 2027, as part of the renowned Maraton Franja BTC City event.
Designed by Cycling Team Rog with the support of the City of Ljubljana and the EUSA Institute, CYCLE2CONNECT is the first European student cycling challenge combining sport, sustainability and digital innovation. Through a dedicated mobile application, students collect cycling kilometres, form teams, compete on international leaderboards and qualify for the final event in Ljubljana. The project also includes educational workshops on sustainable mobility, healthy lifestyles, road safety and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
As a project partner, the European University Sports Association and the EUSA Institute actively support the initiative as part of their wider commitment to promoting physical activity, sustainable development and social responsibility through university sport. EUSA highlighted the project's launch in March 2026, emphasizing its role in fostering cycling culture among students, encouraging active mobility and creating opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge exchange among universities and sports organisations.
In May 2026, EUSA further encouraged students across Europe to join the challenge, underlining how CYCLE2CONNECT combines sport, sustainability, inclusion and technology to create lasting behavioural change. The project aims not only to increase daily physical activity and reduce reliance on motorised transport, but also to serve as a model for future European initiatives promoting active and environmentally friendly mobility among young people.
Students form teams, track their daily cycling and collect kilometres through the CYCLE2CONNECT mobile app. The students who collect the most kilometres cycling in the challenge period can qualify for the European Student Cycling Challenge 2027 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with all costs covered. On June 10, 2027, they will have the chance to participate in this final event, organised as part of the Maraton Franja BTC City, the largest recreational cycling event in Slovenia. Using the BicikeLJ city bike system, they will cycle in a group ride through the city, and have the possibility to also take part in the main race afterwards.
Beyond the competition itself, CYCLE2CONNECT seeks to generate long-term impact by strengthening cycling habits, supporting healthier communities, promoting the use of bicycle-sharing systems and developing recommendations for universities and cities to improve sustainable mobility policies. Through collaboration, education and innovation, the project contributes to a greener, healthier and more connected Europe.
The European Student Cycling Challenge project is co-funded by the European Union, has been designed by the Rog Cycling Club, and is supported by the City of Ljubljana, European University Sports Association (EUSA) with the EUSA Institute and other key partners.
Join the challenge early on, start collecting kilometres and qualify for the European Student Cycling Challenge 2027 Final! You can download the mobile app here.
For more information, visit the website: https://franja.org/en/cycle2connect/