The very first "B" World Championships were held in December 1997, in Ipoh (Malaysia). Through this initiative by the International Cycling Union, with the support of its partners, riders from the most far-flung countries of the cycling world have been given the possibility to showcase their talents in an extremely stimulating environment.
The original aim of this project, which immediately earned the support of the International Olympic Committee, was to contribute to the development of cycling around the world and to enable athletes from those National Federations that had failed to qualify for the Elite World Championships to compete against riders at the same level, and to acquire some very valuable experience.
In June 2003, for the first time, the "B" World Championships was taking place in Europe, at the World Cycling Centre in Aigle, the headquarters of the UCI.
Participation on the Men's road events is open for National federations ranked below 30th place in the UCI nations ranking on 1 January of the current year. However, neither riders classified in the first 500 of the UCI individual rankings on 1 January of the current year nor any rider belonging to a trade team (= division 1 or 2) may take part.
The first 15 riders in the Road Race are qualified for the Olympic Games 2004.