Created: 2025.11.11. 11:18
Széchenyi István University has recently contributed to the successful organisation of two major domestic cycling races. The emerging cooperation between the University and the Brigetio Cycling Sports Club aims both to expand sporting opportunities for students and to strengthen the presence of cycling in Győr.
Széchenyi István University offers its students a wide range of sporting opportunities through its own sports club and partner associations, and several sports can also be practised as part of the physical education curriculum. This portfolio may soon be broadened further through the collaboration being established between the University and the Brigetio Cycling Club. As a first step, Uni Pro Sport Ltd, owned by the University, contributed to the successful organisation of two of the club’s races. The Brigetio Road Race and the Brigetio Time Trial attract an increasing number of road cyclists each year and provide racing opportunities for all age groups.
The Brigetio Road Race, organised in partnership with Széchenyi István University, is gaining popularity among cycling enthusiasts (Photo: Mariann Rovács)
“Our goal is to promote cycling, which is why we bring together amateur and hobby cyclists, organising training camps, tours, and competitions. We support our members in amateur racing, provide professional assistance for their training, and offer them opportunities to take part in community events,” said Dr Álmos Dávid Tóth, board member of Brigetio KSE and associate professor at the Department of Vehicle Propulsion Technology and Power Electronics of Széchenyi István University. The lecturer is dedicated to strengthening cycling both at the University and across the region. Under his coordination, Győr has already hosted ten training sessions this year and played a key role in the organisation of a 17-kilometre challenge ride during European Mobility Week and Car-Free Day, supported by the city and coordinated by the Győr branch of the National Hobby Cyclists Club.
“Through the cooperation between the club and the University, new opportunities may also open up for students within the already rich sports life of the University. Our aim is to unite Győr’s road cycling community under University partnership in the future and to provide regular training and social cycling opportunities for those who practise the sport for recreation rather than competition,” he added.
Dr Tamás Gyömörei, Head of the Centre for Sports and Recreation of Széchenyi István University and President of its sports club (SZESE), explained that they aim to further popularise the sport among students. As a result, the institution could also be represented in the future in the road cycling events of the Hungarian University and College National Championships and in international university competitions. “An important step towards this is to familiarise young cyclists in the sport’s youth divisions with our University’s dual career model and to encourage them to plan their future as elite athletes at Széchenyi,” he remarked.
The two special award winners of the competition were Adrienn Punk, a former student of the University, and Péter Héregi Jr, a current student (Photo: Mariann Rovács)
At the 11th Brigetio Road Race, the men’s special award went to Brigetio KSE athlete and current student of SZE, Péter Héregi Jr, while the women’s winner and University award recipient was Adrienn Punk, who earned her degree in Sports and Recreation Management at the institution. She said she greatly enjoyed studying at the University of Győr; despite the pandemic forcing a switch from in-person to online education, those years were defining for her. She saw this not as a difficulty but as an opportunity: alongside completing several marathons and her degree work, she was also able to prepare for her first Ironman competition. She added that while she had previously competed in triathlon, she began taking road cycling more seriously in 2023.
“The Brigetio Road Race is a very well-organised, high-quality, and safe event, so I am always happy to take part. The course is challenging with many climbs, requiring proper preparation even for amateurs. I felt from the first lap that I would do well, and in the end, I won the race with a large lead,” she recalled. The Székesfehérvár-based athlete, who works as a PE teacher, highlighted that the University’s involvement offers excellent opportunities for students, as cycling not only promotes good health but also provides relaxation and recharge during studies, and, moreover, has a strong community-building effect.
