Tennis Scotland have announced the winners of 2023 Awards, celebrating the formidable achievements and contributions of individuals, clubs, programmes, and competitions in 2022.
Two players, a club, park venue, and competition also received prestigious awards on the evening.
The annual awards ceremony was hosted by comedian Josh Berry at the Stirling Court Hotel on Friday, 31 March in front of an audience of over 130 members of the Scottish tennis community. With membership figures exceeding 75,000, the ceremony was a fantastic way to acknowledge the success and diligence of the community, from club level to players competing on the international circuit.
Tennis Scotland Awards
Pic Peter Devlin
Abercorn LTC, which was established in 1919 and currently boasts 310 members, was recognised as Club of the Year.
The club actively encouraged more women and girls to pick up a racquet, increasing their female membership by 83% in the last three years, and also developed a female-specific coaching programme led by Katie Hoch who was shortlisted for Development Coach of the Year.
Tennis Scotland Awards
Pic Peter Devlin
Picking up the Park Venue of the Year was Rosewell Tennis Club in Midlothian, formed in 2021. The club strives to rejuvenate tennis in the community which previously had no facilities after they took over the lease of two derelict courts in March 2021 and secured funding to upgrade the courts and add floodlights.
The East Lothian Open won the Competition of the Year award, given to a competition with outstanding organisation and delivery. The East Lothian Open organised and hosted a week-long tournament on a voluntary basis which was open to all ages and abilities. The competition also hosted almost 40 different events with 420 participants in addition to hosting the first Open Grade 3 tournament for players with a learning disability in Scotland.
Edinburgh-born Sarah McFadyen, who is currently ranked No. 1 in the LTA Women’s 40s rankings, was awarded Senior Veteran Player of the Year. McFadyen reached No. 12 in the ITF Masters World ranking in August 2022, represented Scotland in the Senior Four Nations, and also represented Great Britain in the 2022 Young Cup at the ITF World Team Championships in Portugal.
Twenty-one-year-old Jacob Fearnley, who trained Craiglockhart Tennis Centre growing up, received the Senior Player of the Year award for his achievements over the past 12 months. Fearnley is currently a student-athlete at Texas-Christian University where he contributed to TCU’s first ITA National Indoor title in program history, helped the team achieve No.1 in the college rankings, as well as reaching No.1 in ITA National doubles ranking, and No. 8 in singles.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to every winner at this year’s Tennis Scotland Awards, and thank all who do so much for Scottish tennis and who celebrated the Awards with us in person at the Stirling Court Hotel.
“As the Scottish governing body, we are grateful for the individuals and organisations that have played their part in growing and developing tennis across Scotland over the last year. With record numbers of members within our club network and record entries at many competitions, there is real momentum in Scottish tennis, and we look forward to further developments in 2023. Best wishes to all our winners who go ahead to the LTA British Awards this year.”
Organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have confirmed the regions of Scotland that will host the Gran Fondo road race and time trial, as part of the biggest ever cycling event in history, taking place from 3 – 13 August.
Final event locations to be announced as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Perth and Kinross have been confirmed to host the Gran Fondo road race on Friday 4 August and Dundee and Angus to host the Gran Fondo time trial on Sunday 7 August.
Gran Fondo (which translates as “Big Race”) is a long-distance, mass participation event that celebrates competitive cycling, with the top 25% percent of riders from 27 qualifying events held around the world being invited to compete in Scotland as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
The Gran Fondo is one of 13 UCI World Championships to take place in Glasgow and across Scotland this summer. The Gran Fondo event alone is expected to attract thousands of participants from more than 50 nations, providing significant economic impact for the host regions, with many participants, their friends and families expected to stay in the area for several days.
In both the road race and the time trial, riders of varying ages and abilities will take on beautiful but challenging courses, that will pass through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery across Perthshire, Dundee and Angus, encompassing historic cities, towns and villages as well as unrivalled coastal and countryside settings, creating a memorable event for all who ride.
From a sporting point of view, it is a fantastic opportunity for riders to measure up against the best in their age group from around the world, with the very best eying up a spot on the podium.
Organisers have appointed the experienced sports events company Golazo Cycling as the event delivery partner, who will manage the details and plans associated with the event. Details of the specific routes will be announced at a later date.
The Queen’s View in Highland Perthshire which overlooks Loch Tummel.
Commenting on the host regions,Trudy Lindblade, CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling Word Championships said:“We are excited to welcome Gran Fondo participants and their families to experience the wonderful scenery, landscapes and of course, fantastic Scottish hospitality across Perthshire, Dundee and Angus.
“They will be cycling through absolutely stunning spots which will showcase the region to the world. Events of this nature generate significant economic and social engagement impact and we’re delighted to be working with our partners at Golazo, Perth & Kinross, Dundee City and Angus Councils to deliver a unique and memorable event for participants, local businesses and residents.”
Councillor Andrew Parrott, Convener of Perth & Kinross Council’s Environment, Infrastructure and Economic Development Committee said: “The Gran Fondo will be an unforgettable event that showcases Perth and Kinross to a global audience.
“We have a fantastic track record of delivering large-scale events like this and I am looking forward to welcoming thousands of cyclists and spectators in August.”
Mark Flynn convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee said: “We are delighted to be involved in what is a major event in the cycling calendar and with it the opportunity to showcase some of Dundee’s beautiful, engaging and sometimes challenging parkour to the top 25 per cent of the world’s non-professional competitive cyclists.
“Events such as the Gran Fondo prove that competitive cycling isn’t just for the pros and I am sure that the city’s backdrop will offer not just the riders a unique opportunity, but also encourage spectators from across the world to come back to Dundee and join local people on their bikes!”
Communities Convener of Angus Council, Cllr Mark McDonald, said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the Gran Fondo to Angus.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to stage a high-calibre sporting event in our county, which offers some of the best cycling opportunities in Scotland and where the sport is extremely popular with both residents and tourists.
“The beautiful Angus landscape will undoubtedly prove to be a fitting backdrop to this international event and will help to further enhance Angus as a first- class cycling destination.”
Malcolm Smith of Golazo Cycling said: “We are excited and honoured to be able to organise such a prestigious event.
“Our experience organising the Tour of Cambridgeshire over the past eight years means we are uniquely placed to stage the best event possible, and we have been working with many stakeholders behind the scenes to ensure all riders have an amazing racing experience.
“We have some excellent and challenging routes for thousands of riders to enjoy. We can’t wait to see their emotions and reactions when they return after racing over such beautiful terrain.”
To find out more about the Gran Fondo and how to take part, visit:
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, alongside partners and key stakeholders, have signed up to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Pledge to show a tangible commitment to creating an inclusive, diverse, and accessible world-class event in Glasgow and across Scotland between 3rd – 13th August 2023.
The Pledge will support the key principles of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework, using the platform of a global event as a catalyst for change, in addition to delivering an event that has inclusion at its core.
Under the Pledge, partners and key stakeholders have signed up to five key commitments:
Promoting inclusion through the power of the bike, improving wellbeing, and building a fairer, more inclusive society for all
Committing to the growth and sustainability of women and girls cycling in Scotland.
Remaining authentic to each of the 13 UCI Championships by embedding inclusivity and accessibility into event planning
Building partnerships, initiating conversations, and seeking out opportunities to activate programmes in support of EDI
Using the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to raise awareness about EDI.
The signatories of the Pledge are:
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)
Scottish Government
Glasgow Life
UK Sport
British Cycling
Scottish Cycling
Event delivery partners
Partners and key stakeholders of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships who sign the Pledge agree to abide by its five commitments.
By joining the Pledge, participants will be challenged to actively make a positive difference to the lives of others by harnessing the power of the bike to build a more inclusive Scotland. This entails building a foundation of trust and confidence with people at a local, national, and global level.
The EDI framework also ensures that those who are most vulnerable in society, impacted by stigma and discrimination and excluded from sport and public life are included in this narrative.
Attending the launch were two young people from Glasgow who embody the ambitions of the framework. Farrah Gillespie and Ryan Campbell are two 10-year-olds who discovered cycling through the inspiring work of local social initiative the Urban Fox Programme.
This initiative provides cycling opportunities, led rides and bike repair schemes to young people in areas of need. Both Farrah and Ryan have received donated bikes through their involvement with the Urban Fox Programme.
While the UCI Cycling World Championships remains at the core of everything that the event aims to deliver, the event also strives to act as a catalyst for change across Scotland through the power of the bike.
The power of the bike aims at being a tool to improve lives, wellbeing (physical and mental) as well as bringing a sense of freedom and connection to people in their everyday lives.
Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie, MSP, Scottish Government said:“Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do within the Scottish Government. The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is an exciting opportunity for partners across Scotland to get involved and embed these ideals throughout this innovative event, which importantly includes Para Road and Track Cycling Championships.
“We want the Championships to inspire people from all backgrounds to help build a fairer, more active and healthier Scotland through the power of the bike. The Scottish Government is proud to be supporting the Championships and the Ride Together Pledge.”
Amina Lanaya, Director General, UCI said:“The beauty of our sport is its ability to unite populations regardless of their gender, religion, race or political beliefs. I am therefore delighted by this Ride Together Pledge.
“It will contribute to an accessible UCI Cycling World Championships where everyone feels welcome and will be encouraged to continue benefitting from the bike even after the event.
“Equality, diversity and inclusion are interwoven into the UCI’s policies and documents, and this Pledge is perfectly in line with our work to ensure everyone can enjoy the wonderful sport of cycling.”
Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said:“I would like to thank the UCI, our partners and key stakeholders who have joined us in signing up to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Ride Together Pledge.
“We are committed to making a difference through the power of the bike using the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships as the platform to not only generate discussion but to enable us to ‘ride together’ to achieve long lasting change with the belief that the power of the bike can mean something to everyone, regardless of who you are.
“We will be using the Championships to amplify the benefits of cycling with a focus on a younger and more diverse audience with women, children and young people at the heart of our activity. It is our aim that everyone who attends the Championships enjoys it at all levels and most importantly feels welcomed and inspired to create their own power of the bike story”
Esther Britten, Head of Major Events at UK Sport, said:“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are an excellent opportunity to harness the platform of major events to promote the importance of diversity and inclusion in sport and wider society. UK Sport backs the Ride Together Pledge and are committed to ensuring the major events we host are welcoming to all.
“Along the journey through our ‘Greatest Decade’, we are not only aspiring to unite the nation through extraordinary sporting moments, but also aim reflect the incredible diversity of communities across the UK.
“Our ambition to host world-class, accessible events would not be possible without the ongoing support from The National Lottery and we are truly grateful for their continued contribution to British sport.”
Danielle Every, British Cycling Acting CEO, said:“As we look ahead to this summer’s UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland, we’re proud to join others in signing the #RideTogether Pledge.
“As set out in our 2021 Our Ride diversity and inclusion strategy, we’re wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that our sport and events are inclusive and welcoming for all, and forming purposeful partnerships is a key pillar of this work.
“By bringing together more than 8,000 riders and many more fans from across the breadth of the cycling disciplines, and investing £8 million to benefit cycling facilities, the event is set to be a great example of the power of major sporting events to inspire communities and bring about real change.”
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Our vision for Glasgow is to create a vibrant cycling city where cycling is accessible, safe and attractive to all, whether that be for leisure, transport, tourism or sport.
“Part of achieving that vision is to overcome barriers to participation and make cycling more appealing to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. That is why we have pledged to work with partners towards achieving the five commitments through our delivery of the UCI Cycling World Championships and beyond.
“We are already undertaking EDI projects such as our successful cycling participation programme for secondary school girls that takes groups of 10, many of whom have never learned to ride a bike, through an intensive 10-week programme of BMX, mountain and road biking and track sessions.
“Through this work we will continue to improve our policies, services and facilities to allow everyone fair and equal access to the breadth of events, projects and services that Glasgow Life provides.”
Nick Rennie, CEO at Scottish Cycling said:“We’re delighted to support the Pledge, which not only connects the partners of this event towards a common Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) goal, but provides us with an opportunity to highlight both the breadth and depth of our work that is contributing towards making cycling a sport for all.
“Our refreshed organisational strategy, which we’ll be launching in a few weeks’ time, reaffirms our commitment to provide targeted interventions to increase the number of women, girls and young people cycling, and ensure that EDI is a golden thread throughout everything we do.”
Debbie Dean, Project Manager at the Urban Fox Programme said:“Cycling provides so many benefits to the young people in Glasgow and across Scotland including physical and mental health.
“The Urban Fox Programme is delighted to support the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and the EDI framework that will support cycling, especially in areas of greatest need.”
The general sale for the first-of-its-kind cycling event is now open with tickets having a range of prices suitable for all fans’ budgets.
Tickets can be purchased for as little as £8 with ticket information to be found here:
Revellers back in the saddle for highest value raceday of 2023
ONE of the UK’s most stylish racecourses is urging revellers to snap up tickets for one of its richest racing events of the year – with a total of £226,000 worth of prize money to be awarded across the day.
Musselburgh Racecourse’s Easter Saturday raceday will take place on 8 April with a series of key races taking place throughout the day including the venue’s highest value race – the prestigious Queen’s Cup.
This year, the Queen’s Cup will be presented by Judy Murray, with £100,000 up for grabs. The race received its name following Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Musselburgh Racecourse for its Bicentenary Raceday in 2016. The racecourse has a proud Royal heritage with The Queen’s Stand also opened by Princess Anne.
The Racecourse’s Easter Saturday event – is set to be the biggest yet, with ITV Racing covering the entire day.
Other exciting races that will take place on Easter Saturday include the Royal Mile Handicap, the Silver Arrow and Scotland’s fastest race, the Scottish Sprint Cup, which attracts top sprinters from across the country.
Gordon Brown, Race Reporter for Scottish Racing, said: “The Easter Saturday event at Musselburgh Racecourse is set to be one of prominence in the horseracing calendar.
“Some of the fastest horses in the country have scorched to victory in the Scottish Sprint Cup with the runners galloping quicker than the legal speed limit on the adjacent road into Musselburgh town!
“The five-furlong track record was smashed in this race in 2018 when the Alastair Rawlinson-partnered Caspian Prince stopped the clock at an electrifying 56.77 seconds.
“Last year’s impressive winner of the prestigious Queen’s Cup was Ian Williams-trained horse Enemy, who has since just been pipped in a contest at Ascot, won a race at the Dubai Carnival and picked up a staggering £416,666 for finishing a close second at Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
“The event marks a major day in racing and I’m looking forward to seeing how the entries will perform. For spectators, it really will be a sight to behold and not only that, there will be a host of entertainment throughout the course of the day’s celebrations.”
With a series of packages already sold out, the racecourse is anticipating a capacity attendance with a blend of action-packed racing, music and first-class food offerings.
The East Lothian venue will be bringing back its popular ‘Pommery domes’ for the event – which were a huge hit on New Year’s Day – with a bottle of Pommery Champagne and charcuterie board to enjoy while soaking up the race day atmosphere.
After the last race, racegoers will be able to dance the night away with the memorable ‘Funkwagen’ party experience – a DJ set-up in a vintage Volkswagen van.
Vendors will include some of Scotland’s best street food offerings, such as Well Hung and Tender’s burgers and chips, Dog N Bon’s hot dogs and loaded fries, Bonnie Burrito’s Mexican cuisine and NeeNaw fire engine’s wood fired Neapolitan style pizzas.
Aisling Johnston, Marketing Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Easter Saturday is one of our biggest social events in the calendar. It promises to be a day full of music, dancing, delicious food, champagne bars and of course, first-class racing.
“So, strap on your best dancing shoes and come and join us for an unforgettable Easter experience. Tickets are selling quickly, so act now to have the chance of grabbing one for yourself – you won’t regret it!”
Purchasing a ticket before midnight on the 7th April will result in a saving of £5 per person. On the day gate admission will be £35. Children 17 years and under go free.
Musselburgh Racecourse provides year-round racing action, with 27 race days across the flat and jump racing season – weekend, midweek and evening.
Every race day offers quality racing with outstanding facilities and an atmosphere to match. Its ‘Sensational 6’ includes New Year’s Day, Scottish Cheltenham Trials Weekend, Easter Saturday, The Edinburgh Cup sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, Stobo Castle Ladies Day and The Summer Finale weekend.
For further information on Easter Saturday and to book tickets now, visit:
Scottish Ambulance Service emergency responders are to be deployed on bikes for this weekend’s Six Nations match with Italy.
Off the back of Glasgow’s COP26 in 2021, where bikes were used at the climate change conference to attend to medical incidents at the event, a team of SAS emergency responders has been recruited and trained for deployment.
The East Region cycle Response Team can be deployed through the Service’s Ambulance Control Centre (ACC).
The squad, which has 11 members and although based in the East at present, can be used anywhere in Scotland if requested. Recently, they attended the Scotland vs Ireland match at Murrayfield, and will also be out at the Scotland vs Italy game on Saturday (March 18).
Last year, they were used at The Open at St Andrews and other sporting events, while they will also be used at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe later this year for the second year running alongside normal ambulance resources.
Andrew Cook, Paramedic Team Leader and lead on the unit, said: “This great initiative has been utilised successfully at various events.
“They can respond easier to busy footfall areas and can be deployed to a range of incidents such as cardiac arrests. If appropriate, they will be backed up with additional ambulance resources depending on the call.
“The idea being that paramedics can respond quicker to emergencies in busy areas that are difficult to travel through in a car or ambulance.
“The bikes have equipment that will enable them to respond to life-threatening emergencies and we hope that the cycle responder paramedics will be able to treat and triage patients appropriately on scene, which could potentially free up another resource for conveying patients to hospital.
“Another fundamental benefit of the cycle response unit is the reduction of carbon footprint.”
PRESENTERS AND COMMENTATORS SHOW SUPPORT FOR GARY LINEKER
BBC’s flagship football show Match of the Day will air tonight without a studio presenter, pundits, or its regular commentators, after the BBC told Gary Lineker to step back in a row over impartiality.
The BBC said it it had asked Lineker to step back from presenting after “extensive discussions” with him following the presnter’s criticism of government asylum policy on Twitter, where he compared the language used by the government to unveil its new plans as “not dissimilar to” 1930s Germany.
A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
“The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
“When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
Neigh ‘horsing around’ as East Lothian venue hosts highest value raceday this year
PARTYGOERS, families and sports enthusiasts will don their most royal outfits as they flock to the Easter Saturday meeting at Musselburgh Racecourse.
Celebrations will take place on 8 April and will culminate in the venue’s highest value race, the prestigious Queen’s Cup, with £100,000 worth of prize money.
The Queen’s Cup received its name following Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Musselburgh Racecourse for its Bicentenary Raceday in 2016. The racecourse has a proud Royal heritage with The Queen’s Stand also opened by Princess Anne.
The venue will be bringing back its popular ‘Pommery domes’ for the event – which were a huge hit for revellers on New Year’s Day – with a bottle of Pommery Champagne and charcuterie board to enjoy while soaking up the race day atmosphere.
For families, an abundance of free activities for young ones are on offer, with a dedicated ‘Clip Clop Zone,’ offering free funfair rides for all ages and face painting.
Aisling Johnston, Marketing Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Easter Saturday is one of our biggest social events in the calendar. It promises to be a day full of music, dancing, street food vendors, champagne bars and of course, first-class racing.
“We also have a host of free entertainment planned for those looking to bring the little ones, including the return of the hugely popular and highly-anticipated Easter Bunny which is sure to go down a treat! The best part is that all kids under 17 are free when accompanied by an adult.
“With a huge variety of exciting activities planned, there is something for everyone to enjoy no matter what your age.”
As well as the Queen’s Cup, there will be a series of key races taking place throughout the day, including the Royal Mile Handicap, the Silver Arrow and Scotland’s fastest race, the Scottish Sprint Cup, which attracts top sprinters from across the country.
Prize money that will be awarded across the day will total £226,000 – the venue’s highest value offered this year. ITV Racing will cover the full sporting event.
Aisling added: “After the last race, revellers will be able to enjoy some music and dancing with the memorable ‘Funkwagen’ party van experience.
“So, strap on your best dancing shoes and come and join us for an unforgettable Easter experience. Tickets are selling quickly, so act now to have the chance of grabbing one for yourself – you won’t regret it!”
Vendors at the event will include some of Scotland’s best street food offerings, such as Well Hung and Tender’s burgers and chips, Dog N Bon’s hot dogs and loaded fries and Bonnie Burrito’s Mexican cuisine.
Purchasing a ticket before midnight on the 7th April will result in a saving of £5 per person. On the day gate admission will be £35. Children 17 years and under go free.
Musselburgh Racecourse provides year-round racing action, with 27 race days across the flat and jump racing season – weekend, midweek and evening.
Every race day offers quality racing with outstanding facilities and an atmosphere to match. Its ‘Sensational 6’ includes New Year’s Day, Scottish Cheltenham Trials Weekend, Easter Saturday, The Edinburgh Cup sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, Stobo Castle Ladies Day and The Summer Finale weekend.
For further information on Easter Saturday and to book tickets now, visit:
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and former BMX Racing UCI World Champion Shanaze Reade visited the Glasgow BMX Centre as 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds tickets go on sale to the general public.
Cycling fans from around the world can now secure their tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships with general tickets officially on sale from10.00am today – Thursday 23 February 2023.
As Scotland prepares to welcome the biggest celebration of cycling in history, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and former BMX Racing UCI World Champion Shanaze Reade, the event’s ambassador for Children and Young People, visited the Glasgow BMX Centre in Knightswood to kick off ticket sales and meet with young cyclists from local schools as well as BMX groups the Western Titans and the Cumbernauld Centurions.
The BMX Centre is home to Scotland’s only World and Olympic standard BMX Racing track and was opened in 2018 to host the European Championships. It has since hosted the 2022 UCI BMX Racing World Cup and will welcome the best riders to compete in exhilarating races in August.
Earlier this month, some of Scotland’s most iconic and stunning landmarks were illuminated in the rainbow stripes of the UCI, signifying the locations where the upcoming 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will take place in Glasgow and across Scotland, 3 to 13 August 2023.
With something for everyone to enjoy, the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will feature 13 high-adrenaline, exciting UCI World Championships including Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, BMX Racing at Glasgow BMX Centre, BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland) and Trials at Glasgow Green, Indoor Cycling (artistic cycling and cycle-ball) at the Emirates Arena, Mountain Bike Cross-Country, and Marathon in Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley. Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Road and Para-cycling Road across Scotland (a full list of the UCI World Championships is included in the Notes to Editors).
The general sale for the first-of-its-kind cycling event opens Thursday 23 February 2023 at 10:00am offering tickets at a range of prices suitable for all fans’ budgets.
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, Scottish Government said:“Hosting the first ever UCI Cycling World Championships is an excellent opportunity to showcase Scotland to the world, promote cycling and the many benefits it can bring.
“This global event will also deliver important economic benefits for communities throughout the country.
“While Glasgow is rightly recognised as an excellent and experienced host city, it’s fantastic to see these UCI World Championships taking place from Fort William to Dumfries and Galloway – and a variety of locations in between. This is a great opportunity for Scotland to build on our global reputation of hosting world class events.
“Tickets going on general sale is one way for people to get involved. However, we want members of the public to not only enjoy watching the many different types of events on offer but be inspired by the power of the bike to give cycling a try for themselves – for exercise, sport, transport or even just for fun.”
David Lappartient, UCI President, said: “Fans attending the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be part of an important chapter of our sport’s history.
“We are less than six months away from a momentous 11 days of racing and I would sincerely encourage people to get in quickly to be sure of witnessing some fantastic racing. I look forward to seeing the whole cycling family united in Scotland for this unprecedented event.”
Paul Bush, OBE, Chair of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said:“The 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will be a must-see moment enabling both athletes and spectators to experience a world first – something which has never been seen, nor cycled before.
“With over 8000 elite and amateur cyclists participating, bringing their bikes from more than 120 countries – the size and scale of what’s on offer in one mega event means there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“With the world’s greatest cyclists competing in the ultimate tests of talent, tenacity and toughness across eleven days – this is an incredible opportunity to witness history in the making.
“Having events of this size and scale in our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s position as a world-leading events destination and we look forward to welcoming everyone in August.”
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair Glasgow Life, said: ““The inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in Glasgow, or indeed Scotland. We can’t wait to welcome the world back to Glasgow and showcase our city again, on the global stage.
“I’m particularly pleased that there are tickets to suit a variety of budgets, as well as free events such as the road races Glasgow is hosting. And the event can be a catalyst for local cycling activation programmes for people of all backgrounds and abilities to get involved and celebrate the power of the bike.”
Shanaze Reade, Ambassador for Children and Young People at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said:“For me, a bike represents freedom. It can open up so many possibilities and teach you so many vital life skills.
“With the UCI Cycling World Championships coming to Glasgow and Scotland this year, we’ve got an enormous opportunity to encourage young people into riding and feel part of this once in a lifetime event.
“Seeing the top cyclists in the world take to the streets and arenas around our own country will not only create a great buzz in August, but hopefully inspire young riders – perhaps even the next generation of champions, to experience the fun and freedom a bike can bring to their lives.”
While successful delivery of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is a key focus for the Scottish Government, they are also working with various partners to use the event as a catalyst for positive change and encourage more people to participate in cycling.
These projects include delivering accessible, inclusive and inspiring facilities through an £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund and engaging every Local Authority area through the £1 million Community Cycling Fund to provide opportunities and inspiration to cycle.
HIBERNIAN FC ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT YESTERDAY:
Hibernian FC today announced that the Club’s Executive Chairman and majority shareholder, Ronald J Gordon, passed away earlier this morning (UK time).
Ron recently wrote an open letter to supporters, telling them that he had been receiving treatment for cancer for much of the past year.
Ben Kensell, Chief Executive of Hibernian, said: “Everyone at the Club is deeply saddened at the news. Our thoughts are with Ron’s wife Kit, his sons Ian and Colin, and the rest of the Gordon family. Ron may have been our chairman and owner, but he was first and foremost a devoted family man with a close and loving family.
“We would ask that at this difficult time, the family’s privacy is respected as they mourn their loss.”
Ron had a passion for football and through Hibernian FC his dream, commitment and love came to the fore, whilst always ensuring the club became the best version of itself to leave a lasting legacy. The Gordon Family are determined to see this through.
Ben stressed the family’s commitment to continue to work to deliver Ron’s long-term vision and plan for the Club, with the support of the Board and the senior executive. He said: “As part of that determination, we will hold our AGM in early March.
There will be no further comment from the Club or family at this time.
As Edinburgh prepares to welcome back the Six Nations Championship at BT Murrayfield, The Ivy on the Square has launched the ultimate cocktail menu inspired by the participating teams to honour the occasion and support the fans this rugby season.
With the first Scotland match in Edinburgh just around the corner, guests are invited to tackle the tension and try the latest creations made by the experienced bar team in the heart of the capital.
The six delicious cocktails include Scotts on the Rocks, (£10.50) featuring Plymouth gin, Chivas 12 year, ginger juice, lemon juice and clear honey, The Emerald Isle, (£12.00) consisting of Jameson, Lillet Rouge, Cointreau, lime juice, and a dash of whiskey barrel bitters, The G.O.A.T, (£10.50) a mix of Plymouth gin, Plymouth sloe gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup, garnished with a lavender sprig, Le Coqs, (£12.75) which includes, Beefeater gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped with The Ivy Champagne, English Rose, (£10.50) featuring Beefeater gin, Pimm’s and Elderflower cordial, topped with Fever Tree lemonade and garnished with a mint sprig, and finally the Zesty Italian, (£10.95) a tantalising mix of Malfy Arancia gin, Barolo Chinato, Campari and a dash of whisky barrel bitters.
To complete the game day offering, The Ivy has introduced a new limited-edition dessert Over The Line, a chocolate ganache with mint mousse, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce – perfect for those rugby fans with a sweet tooth.
Guests are invited to try the limited-edition menu at The Ivy on the Square from today until 18 March (weekends only). To book a table, visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com.
