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.
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:
https://granfondo.cyclingworldchamps.com/
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