Two weeks ago,  about 20 London couriers set off on an epic journey to Warsaw, Poland to attend the 19th Cycle Messenger World Championships. These championships, held every year in a different city since 1993, are “an annual urban cycling event gathering both professional bike messengers and cycling enthusiasts from around the globe. The participants compete in a variety of events which test riders’ skills, stamina and determination. The culminating point of the event is the Main Race, which mimics the everyday tasks faced by cycle messengers. It is a weekend of racing, partying and a celebration of global messenger culture.”

I have been attending European and World championships for the past 10 years, nearly as long as I’ve been a messenger. These events have taken me to places I would have probably never visited and it’s always a true pleasure to meet up with old friends, make new ones and be part of the worldwide messenger community.

This event was even more special as I got to meet up with Daria and Karol from the Warsaw Courier Fund and hand over the £250 we collected for them after the Polecat Alleycat. T-shirts and caps were exchanged and I saw for myself the good work they’re doing for their community.

The LCEF was also hard at work.  In spite of very stormy weather, we set up stall selling caps as well as the new edition of our t-shirts and hoodies. Thanks to Urban, Kuba and Vojtech, we sold most of our stock and raised more monies for the fund. Messengers from all around the world know too well how hard it can be to be injured and unable to work and they were showing a lot of support.. thanx to all of you….

This years CMWC definitely didn’t disappoint.  It had all the ingredients for a great weekend… good racecourse, great people, crazy main race, super sound and general bicycle chaos.
I cannot wait for next year’s events around the ECMC (European Cycle Messenger Championships) in Edinburgh (with the pre-event being held here in London) and the CMWC held in Chicago, US.
In the meantime, London will be holding their now yearly 3-day event at the end of September – London’s Calling – with more info coming soon…

by Steph