Tag: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

2023 UCI Cycling World Champs’ 23 Million Miles Challenge Hits Target

More than 51,000 riders across the UK and around the world have proven the power of the bike by riding an epic 23 million miles as part of the initiative launched by the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and Love to Ride, to get more people riding their bikes. 

While all eyes have been on Scotland for the past nine days of scintillating action, cyclists everywhere have been logging miles as part of the 23 Million Mile Challenge since it was launched on 25 April to coincide with 100 days to go until the UCI Cycling World Championships.

Through their combined efforts, this ambitious target was reached yesterday (Thursday, Aug. 10), three days ahead of schedule as the Challenge was set to run until the end of the event on Sunday 13 August.

Among those who logged their miles was Janet Kerr from Fife, a Love to Ride Super User, who has used riding her bike to help her with her medical condition while raising funds for charity.

She said: “I’m always motivated to ride my bike, as it’s the best medicine for my progressive neurological condition but knowing that my efforts are helping to reach a collective goal makes me feel part of a team.

“The Challenge couldn’t have come at a more opportune time as I’ve just cycled from Plymouth to Barcelona to attend a conference as part of a fundraising and raising awareness mission. Talk about killing two birds with one stone and adding 830 miles to the pot was a Brucey Bonus.

“I am unable to walk longer distances, therefore my bike, in a way, is my mobility vehicle and if I am walking beside it, it becomes an expensive zimmer, so for me, the ‘power of the bike,’ has literally been a life saver.”

Christian Lampe, Love to Rides very own Product Lead, also took part in the challenge. He explains why he’s been inspired to take part and what riding his bike means to him. 

He said: “I’m personally inspired by the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland. It’s been a big celebration of cycling in all its forms and having the 23 Million Mile Challenge as part of the celebration is a great way to inspire people to dust off their bikes and go for a ride. Having a target is always motivating and if it’s shared amongst a community then even better.

“Riding my bike means everything to me. It is the ultimate sense of freedom. You can go so far under your own power. There is no dependence on getting fuel, except for sandwiches and pastries, and you can explore much further beyond where a car has to give up and turn around.”

If you’re inspired by the Championships and are looking to challenge yourself to get back on your bike for the first time in a while, both Janet and Christian have some great advice to help you get started.

Janet said: “I didn’t wake up one day and think, ‘I’m going to cycle to Barcelona!’ I started by cycling a few miles, then slowly and gradually building up the distance.

“It is also a good way to introduce your body to a new exercise regime and time for your bottom to get used to the saddle.”

Christian said: “Start small. Set goals along the way and don’t compare yourself to others. It can be inspiring to follow successful riders on social media but remember it will have taken them thousands of hours to get where they are today.

“If you can ride 10 miles, then set a goal to ride 15 miles. Celebrate when you reach each goal. If you keep doing this for a year it will be hard to believe what you can accomplish.”

Trudy Lindblade, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chief Executive, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is an event for everyone, and partnering with Love to Ride has been a great initiative to showcase that.

“Riders of all fitness levels have put in the effort to log their miles and help us achieve this incredible target, and we are grateful for everyone who signed up for the Challenge and harnessed the power of the bike.”

While hitting the target for the 23 Million Mile Challenge is an incredible achievement by all involved, there is still time for individuals to log their miles as the 23 Million Mile Challenge will remain open until Sunday, 13 August when the Women Elite Road Race will go from Loch Lomond to Glasgow’s George Square, bringing the curtain down on an historic first-of-its-kind event.  

Opening days of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships bring dramatic finals, world records and new World Champions

Shona Robison: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships ‘celebrate inclusion‘

With more than 260 medals already awarded, the opening days of the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has seen thousands of cyclists take to the roads, ramps, tracks, and mountains across Glasgow and Scotland for this first-of-its-kind event.

Kicking off on Thursday, 3 August, the biggest cycling event ever has already witnessed some special moments, with events taking place across Scotland following a stellar opening ceremony that was headlined by KT Tunstall in Glasgow city centre on Wednesday, 2 August.

Around 400,000 fans and residents have thrown their support behind the athletes at events over the last four days, including an estimate of more than 300,000 fans across the entire route of the Men Elite Road Race on Sunday. Of that, 190,000 were estimated to have turned out around the Glasgow circuit specifically.

Avid spectators have also been present in venues across the country, watching the incredible action at the BMX Freestyle Park at Glasgow Green, the Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome with millions more watching from home thanks to action being broadcast live across the world.

Meanwhile in Perth & Kinross and Dundee & Angus more than 2,000 top amateur athletes took to the road for the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo road races and also the Gran Fondo Time Trials. Among the competitors was UCI President David Lappartient, completing the 160km scenic and challenging course.

Trudy Lindblade, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships CEO, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has got off to a truly spectacular start with the action across the last four days coming thick and fast. After years of planning, it is fantastic to see fans getting out to support athletes from around the world as they vie for one of the UCI’s famous rainbow jerseys.

“While the first four days have been hugely successfully, we now look forward to another week of world class cycling across Scotland, including BMX Racing at Knightswood, Para-cycling Road in Dumfries and Galloway, Mountain Bike Cross-country at Glentress and the Individual Time Trials in Stirling before we sign off in Glasgow with Indoor Cycling, the Para-cycling Mixed Relay and the Women Elite road race bringing this incredible celebration of cycling to a close.”

New UCI World Champions Crowned

The action has come thick and fast at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome as the Track and Para-cycling Track have been integrated into one event for the first time.

Japan’s Keiko Sugiura took the honour of being crowned the first UCI World Champion of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, winning gold in the Women’s C3 Individual Pursuit. Great Britain got their first UCI World title of the championships thanks to Jenny Holl and Sophie Unwin, who were victorious in the women’s B 1km time trial.

The Great Britian team used the roar of the home crowd to their advantage to win a slew of gold medals and rainbow jerseys over the last four days,

including Scotsman Neil Fachie and his pilot Matthew Rotherham taking the win in the men’s B 1km time trial; para-cycling super power Jody Cundy winning his 14th straight kilo UCI World title, while Jaco van Gass (men’s C3 1km time trial), and Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl (women’s B individual pursuit) also claimed more gold medals.   

Saturday’s action was seen out in style as the team of Katie Archibald, Elinor Barker, Josie Knight and Anna Morris took home the gold in the women’s team pursuit for team GB ahead of the New Zealand team. There were amazing scenes in the velodrome as they took the win by over 4 seconds after a tightly contested first couple of kilometres, especially for home talent, Katie Archibald who makes a thrilling comeback after a tough year.

It was also a sweet return for USA Track cyclist Chloé Dygert who made her return to competition after a tragic crash three years ago by winning the Women’s Elite Individual Pursuit, her 11th UCI World title across Junior and Elite categories on the track and road.

On Sunday, one of the most incredible races of the championships saw 5-time UCI World Champion Filippo Ganna narrowly pip Great Britain’s Dan Bigham in the men’s individual pursuit, while Belgian Lotte Kopecky added a rainbow jersey to her Tour de France green jersey win earlier this year.

A dominant performance by Great Britain’s Fran Brown in the women’s C1 individual pursuit is made even more impressive with the bonus of a world record, while debutant Archie Atkinson became men’s C4 scratch UCI World Champion at the age of 19: this is an athlete we’ll be looking out for in the future.

On the Road

On the road, the Juniors got the action underway as France’s Julie Bego took home the gold ahead of Team GB’s Cat Ferguson in the Women Junior road race and Denmark’s Albert Philipsen blew away competition, winning with over a minute margin.

This set the stage Sunday’s action that saw Dutchman Mathieu Van der Poel power through more than 200km, from Edinburgh to Glasgow to claim his first road UCI World title during the Men Elite Road Race, beating Belgium’s Wout van Aert (silver) and Tadej Pogačar of Slovenia who outsprinted Denmark’s Mads Pedersen for bronze. Van der Poel win saw him become the first Dutch champion to win the Men Elite road race UCI World title since Joop Zoetemelk in 1985.

In the Mountains

Up at Fort William Austria’s Valentina Höll conquered Nevis Range to win her second consecutive gold medal in the Women Elite Mountain Bike Downhill, while Charlie Hatton became the fifth Men Elite British rider to win the UCI World title in the Mountain Bike Downhill.

In the Men Junior MTB Downhill, Germany’s Henri Kiefer overcame a stacked field secure first place, while New Zealand’s Erice van Leuven took the top spot in the women’s junior category, completing dominant display from the Kiwis, who also took silver and bronze medals.

The mountain bike action continued down in Glentress as Brazil’s Henrique Avancini won the men’s mountain bike cross-country marathon ahead of a stacked field. In the women’s race, Mona Mitterwallner solidified her lead midway through today’s race to take the win for Austria.

A full list of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships medal winners and results are available here.

Tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championship events are still on sale from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison attended the Gran Fondo amateur time trial as the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships continue across Scotland.

The Scottish Government hopes the world’s biggest ever cycling competition will motivate people to cycle for sport, recreation and active travel. The £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund, delivered in partnership with sportscotland, will create a network of new accessible facilities that will encourage people of all ages to ride bikes and enjoy cycling.

In the time trial, cyclists of varying ages and abilities take on a challenging course that starts in Dundee and takes in parts of Angus before returning to the city. It follows two Gran Fondo road races of different lengths in Perth and Kinross last week.

The Deputy First Minister said: “Hosting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is helping us to showcase Scotland as an inclusive and welcoming nation.

“I hope that these Championships, through its many events such as the Gran Fondo, will inspire people from all walks of life to build a more active and healthier Scotland through the power of the bike.

“We understand the importance of sport and physical activity, particularly for women and girls in Scotland, and the positive impact on their physical, mental and social health across all stages in life – from early years, teenage years, through adulthood and into later life.”

Flying Dutchman: Mathieu Van der Poel crowned UCI World Champion after epic road race

Over 300k spectators lined the demanding 271km route, cheering on the best riders in the world as they took on hills, scenic vistas and changeable weather in a dramatic fight for the rainbow jersey.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships wishes to thank the hundreds of thousands of fans who lined the streets to create a rousing atmosphere for riders and an unforgettable spectacle during the men’s road race from Edinburgh to Glasgow. 

The organisers have estimated the number of fans across the entire route was in excess of 300,000, with 190,000 of those turning out around the Glasgow circuit specifically.

Avid cycling fans and curious locals of all ages showed their support for one of the showpiece races of the 11-day mega event – which encompasses 13 UCI World Championships – taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland.

The route from the capital to Glasgow, taking in Fife, Falkirk, Stirling, Clackmannanshire and East Dunbartonshire, was lined with spectators, culminating in a spectacular finish around a challenging 10 lap, 14.3km city centre circuit. Crowds cheered the epic finale in the heart of George Square, as Mathieu Van der Poel became the first men’s Dutch UCI World Champion in the road race for nearly forty years.

Paul Bush OBE, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Chair, said: : “Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the fans who came out in such huge numbers, in towns and cities across the Edinburgh to Glasgow route, to inspire the riders and create such a memorable men’s road race experience for everyone.

“The excitement and atmosphere generated reinforces Scotland’s status as a world-class major event destination and it was particularly heartening to see so many young people savouring the experience.

“The race was temporarily interrupted in the Carron Valley and was successfully re-started.  It was clear from the enthusiasm of the crowds lining the streets that it did not detract from a memorable race against a backdrop of Scotland’s most stunning and iconic landmarks.”

Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer, said:  “Today was a pivotal moment in this history making Championships, with a magnificent spectacle on the road in front of thousands of fans and millions more watching on TV across the world.

“We now look forward to another week of world-class cycling across the country, culminating in next week’s showpiece event when the women’s road race brings the curtain down on this first-of-its-kind championships.”

The first four days have been hugely successfully, we now look forward to another seven days of world class cycling across Scotland, including BMX Racing at Knightswood, Road para-cycling in Dumfries and Galloway and the Individual Time Trial races in Stirling.

Pictures: SWpix

World’s biggest cycling event gets underway

Scotland encouraged to celebrate the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

Thousands of elite cyclists, including para-athletes, have arrived in Scotland to compete in the world’s biggest cycling event, as the competition is set to get underway in Glasgow.

Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony in George Square yesterday, First Minister Humza Yousaf has encouraged people to join in the fun by visiting fan zones, attending some of the free events or soaking up the atmosphere around the venues which will likely be gathering points for the thousands of local and international visitors that are expected.

Over the next 11 days, venues across the country will host 13 UCI cycling world championships, coming together for the first time to create the biggest cycling event in history. Plans have been put in place by key partners – including Transport Scotland, ScotRail and local authorities – to minimise disruption, however given the scale of the event, people, businesses and organisations are encouraged to plan ahead and consider travel plans to reduce the risk of delays.

The First Minister said: Scotland is proud to host the first ever UCI Cycling World Championships. Cyclists from around the world will be participating in one of the biggest and most exciting sporting events of the year. I’m delighted to welcome all the competitors and the many international visitors.

“The championships will highlight the beauty of Scotland’s landscapes and the vibrancy of our cities. Several of the events don’t require tickets and there will be free activities to enjoy.

“Checking travel arrangements in advance will help people make the most of what’s on offer.

“As events get underway, I would like to thank all the individuals and partner organisations who have helped prepare for them. I encourage as many people as possible to get involved and hope they will be inspired to cycle as a result.

“We are already delivering a range of community events and activities, and have improved infrastructure across the country through the Cycling Facilities Fund and the Community Cycling Fund.

“This is also a great opportunity to promote the broader benefits of active travel for us all which helps to reduce carbon emissions.” 

Paul Bush OBE, Chair, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “I’m thrilled that after years of careful planning and partnership working, we are now ready to raise the curtain on this unique, first-of-its-kind mega event bringing 13 cycling championships to Scotland over 11 days of elite and amateur competition.

“The eyes of the world will be on us from the official Opening Ceremony in Glasgow’s George Square – featuring our very own KT Tunstall, along with a glittering array of local and international artists – and Scotland is ready to put on a show.

“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will again showcase Scotland’s status as a world-class events destination and will also deliver a real and lasting impact for cycling in communities across the country.”

Glasgow gears up for cycling extravaganza

Get ready for UCI Cycling World Championship

Thousands of international elite cyclists, including para-athletes, will gather in Glasgow and across Scotland this week for the start of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

From Thursday 3 August, Scotland will proudly host the world’s biggest ever staged cycling event, which is expected to attract around a million spectators. The majority of the action will take place in Glasgow – building on the legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games – alongside locations including Fort William, the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Perthshire and Dundee and Angus.

The 11 days of sporting action will see cyclists compete for the following 13 world championships:

  • UCI Road World Championships
  • UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships
  • UCI Track Cycling World Championships presented by Tissot
  • UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships
  • UCI Mountain Bike Cross-country World Championships presented by Mercedes-Benz
  • UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Championships presented by Mercedes-Benz
  • UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships
  • UCI Mountain Bike Cross Country Eliminator World Championships
  • UCI Trials World Championships
  • UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Championships
  • UCI BMX World Championships
  • UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships
  • UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I want to extend a warm welcome to every cyclist taking part in the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships – the world’s biggest ever cycling event. I wish everyone good luck.

“Hosting the UCI World Championships is further vote of confidence in Scotland as a destination of choice for staging major global events.

“The Scottish Government is proud to fund this innovative and inclusive event. Our funding will help promote the health and wellbeing benefits of cycling and help drive wider economic and social benefits across the country.

“Whether it’s indoor competitions at the velodrome or Mountain Biking and road events set in some of the most scenic parts of Scotland, there is something for everyone. Many of these events are free and I would encourage as many people across the country to try and catch a piece of the action.”

As Glasgow prepares for the UCI Cycling World Championships, road closures and changes to public transport timetables will have an impact on how people travel to NHSGGC hospitals. 

The event – which runs from Thursday, 3rd August to Sunday 13th August – will mean the closure of some roads in Glasgow during some races. 

As a result, public transport providers are amending timetables and services on certain days during the event. 

All NHSGGC services are planning to run as normal while the event is taking place but we realise that the road closures and changes to public transport may impact on people attending our sites. 

So it’s best to plan ahead and all the latest information is being made information available on the Get Ready Glasgow website. 

Most local First Glasgow routes will use the M8 as a diversion while some Stagecoach services in the City Centre will be curtailed at Bridge Street subway station or the Broomielaw. 

Edinburgh hosts the elite men’s road race next Sunday.

More information on bus route diversions is available from Traveline Scotland. 

Scotland officially welcomes the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

  • Scotland’s cycling mega-event to kick-off with performances by Scottish singer KT Tunstall and other vibrant local artists during opening ceremony
  • George Square, Glasgow, is the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships official fan zone, with a thrilling programme of live performances, family entertainment and much more 

In celebration of the biggest cycling event in history, organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will officially kick off the highly anticipated mega-event with an action-packed Opening Ceremony, taking place at Glasgow’s George Square on Thursday 2 August from 5.00pm (GMT)

The Opening Ceremony features performances by Scottish artists and citizens, with a mixture of professional and community-based organisations. There is an exciting line-up of activities, personalities, dance, spoken word and a headline performance by multi-award-winning Scottish singer KT Tunstall.

Acting as hosts are Scottish Commonwealth Games silver medallist Charline Jones and cycling commentator and Glaswegian comedian Alan Anderson. This free event celebrates the power of the bike and serves as the official welcoming to the thousands of amateur and elite cyclists from more than 120 countries.

George Square, in the centre of Glasgow, throughout the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, will also serve as the official fan zone showcasing the sights, sounds and excitement of this inaugural cycling event. This vibrant area will include themed days, Wednesday 8 August being a family day and on Friday 11 August is Surge festival day.

The official fan zone will also showcase the best of Glasgow’s and Scotland’s music scene, including contributions from Celtic Connections, Piping Live! Glasgow Mela and many other great bands including local and international musicians such as Amy Laurenson, The Siobhan Miller Band, Tom McGuire & the Brassholes and many more. The full GO LIVE! schedule can be found on the Glasgow Life website glasgowlife.org.uk/golive 

With something for everyone, free fun-filled activities will also be held each day of the UCI World Championships for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

For a daily schedule of activities and performers, please visit:  

https://www.cyclingworldchamps.com/visit/go-live-fan-zones

David Lappartient, UCI President said: “The much-awaited UCI Cycling World Championships are upon us, and anticipation at the Opening Ceremony on 2nd August will be at its highest.

“The programme of music and family entertainment planned in George Square will be a fitting celebration on the eve of the biggest cycling event ever staged and will also kick off a full 11 days of activities planned at the official fan zone.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chair, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “The line-up of local and international artists for the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, including a headline performance from KT Tunstall, will be the ideal curtain raiser for 11 days of exhilarating cycling action in Glasgow and across Scotland.

“The Championships will provide the perfect stage to showcase Scotland once again as a world-class events destination while also delivering a real and last impact for cycling across the country.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved from our strategic partners to the host regions and the local community for all their support in bringing for this first of its kind global event to life.”

Angus Robertson, Culture Secretary, Scottish Government said: “With only a week to go until Scotland hosts the world’s biggest cycling event, the excitement is building. The stage is set and teams and competitors from across the world are arriving ahead of the opening ceremony, which will feature some of Scotland’s best cultural talent.

“The eyes of the world will be on Scotland as more than 200 UCI World Champions are crowned across 11 days of incredible action. The Scottish Government is proud to support this innovative and inclusive event, recognising that it also supports our wider efforts to get more people cycling.

“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will offer something for everyone, from road races to BMX Freestyle to the mass participation Gran Fondo. With events taking place in Glasgow and across the country, I encourage all those who can to get out and enjoy the action, including the many events that are free to watch.

“I hope the Championships will inspire people in Scotland and further afield to celebrate the power of the bike and get cycling, whether for sport, exercise, transport or simply for pleasure.”

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council said: “Glasgow is proud to be hosting the first ever opening ceremony of a combined UCI Cycling World Championships.

“This is a city teeming with artistic talent – some of which will be on display tonight and across the 11 days of the event; at the Go Live George Square Fan Zone and sites around the city.

“After years of hard work to bring this event to the city, Glasgow is ready to offer athletes, visitors and fans the warmest of welcomes – for which it is rightly renowned across the world.”

Julie Brown, director, producer and facilitator and is co-Artistic Director of Random Accomplice, said: “What an absolute privilege to work on our opening ceremony, allowing us to give our artistic tribute to cycling.

“We’ve been inspired by the themes of Cycling for All, Cycling for Good, Cycling for Friendship and of course, Scotland Welcomes the World.

“Our programme varies from artists with years of experience, to citizens of Glasgow performing for the first time ever in front of an audience. Every one of them deserves a rainbow jersey!”

Charline Jones, ex Scottish Cyclist and Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist said: “The opening ceremony being held in George Square is going to be a free show to celebrate cycling and what’s to come in welcoming cyclists from all around the world to race for those rainbow stripes.

“This is where everyone will have the opportunity to play a part in setting the atmosphere for the event. Having competed at major international races I know how much the crowd can help in spurring athletes on. I can’t wait to be a part of it from another dimension.”

Tunde Martin, Musician, SOTUNDE said: “I am truly honoured to be a part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships’ opening ceremony. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to showcase my music to a diverse audience, celebrating the spirit of this event.”

More performers to be announced soon!

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 Cross-country 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).  

Tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championship events are on sale from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships including the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo road races and time trials. 

UCI Cycling Men’s Elite Road Race: Road closures announced

SUNDAY 6th AUGUST

The route for the UCI Men’s Elite Road Race has been announced. This forms part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the “biggest cycling event ever.”

The race will begin in Edinburgh on Sunday 6 August 2023 at 9.30am. We expect the event to attract many visitors from across the world to follow the race as it makes its way from the capital to Glasgow. The city will be busy and some roads will be closed as the event passes through.

Route

Competitors will start off in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood Park. The race then heads up the Royal Mile and through Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing under Edinburgh Castle.

They will then head down the Mound and towards Stockbridge before moving onto Queensferry. Competitors will then cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing. The race will eventually finish in Glasgow’s George Square, covering a distance of 270km.

Road closures

These roads will be closed from 6:30pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:

  • Queens Drive
  • Horse Wynd
  • Dukes Walk

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:

  • Canongate
  • New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:

  • High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:  

  • High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)

The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
  • Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)  

The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
  • Bank Street
  • North Bank Street
  • The Mound
  • Hanover Street
  • Queen Street Gardens East
  • Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
  • Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
  • South-East Circus Place
  • Circus Place 
  • North-West Circus Place

These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Kerr Street 
  • Deanhaugh Street
  • Raeburn Place
  • Comely Bank Road
  • Craigleith Road

These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
  • Hillhouse Road

These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).

Vehicle crossing points on closed roads

On 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal. The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.

  • St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
  • Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
  • East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Whitehouse Road – Maybury Road A90 Queensferry Road 9:45am to 9:55am

Please note that these planned restrictions and closures may be subject to change.

You can find more information, on the event website 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. I

f you have any questions, please email events@edinburgh.gov.uk

£1m Cycle Share Fund announced

Ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, #ActiveTravel Minister Patrick Harvie announces £1 million Scottish Government investment to support bike share schemes.

The Scottish Government is investing £1 million to support bike share schemes. Delivered by Cycling UK, the Cycle Share Fund will get more people in Scotland cycling, by enabling access to a bike in an affordable, easy and convenient way.

It will enable organisations to purchase cycles and equipment for schemes that provide people with access to a bike that they don’t own. It will support a range of delivery models including loan schemes, subscription services, hire schemes, bike libraries, pool bikes and bike shares.

With support from Cycling UK, organisations who run or wish to run any form of cycle share scheme, including third sector and community organisations, charities, schools and other workplaces, will be eligible to apply for funding.

The fund will tackle barriers to cycling including the upfront costs of buying a bike, uncertainty around choosing the right bike or how to maintain it, or lack of a safe place to store a cycle.

Launching the funding, Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie visited Bike for Good in the west end of Glasgow, to learn more about their existing non-ownership pilot ‘SWITCH UP’.

Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie said: “I’m pleased to announce the Scottish Government investment of £1 million to support and develop cycle access schemes across the country.

“With the eyes of the world on Scotland for the first ever UCI 2023 Cycling World Championships – this investment demonstrates our commitment to removing barriers to cycling by expanding access – helping to keep the wheels in motion for everyday cycling after the event concludes.

“For our health, wellbeing and environment – we’re committed to building an active nation and making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday trips.

“That’s why the Scottish Government has committed to spend at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel by 2024-25. Through this, we can bring about more projects like the one Bike for Good in Glasgow is expertly offering. Coupled with further investment in infrastructure, we will transform our communities to support the revolution in active travel that we need to see.”

Suzanne Forup, Head of Development at Cycling UK in Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering this fund that will provide more opportunities for people to cycle in an affordable and accessible way.

“We know that owning a cycle is not the best option for everyone, so we look forward to supporting a range of schemes that will break down barriers and enable people to feel all the benefits of cycling – financially, for their health, wellbeing and for our environment.”

Gregory Kinsman-Chauvet, founder and  CEO at Bike for Good, said: ““We welcome the Scottish Government’s Cycle Share Fund, delivered by Cycling UK. The purpose of the new fund aligns well with Bike for Good’s mission to enable people to ride a bike.

“We launched the UK’s first impact-led bike subscription service, SWITCH UP. We offer a safe, reliable and easy-to-use bike subscription service so that users are always ready and confident on the road. SWITCH UP users can access a bike, an e-bike or an e-cargo bike at affordable prices, with maintenance, insurance and mobile repairs included.

“Bike for Good is proud to offer this fantastic opportunity to Glasgow and are expanding it across the UK. A significant part of our fleet is committed to supporting low-income individuals.

“With SWITCH UP, we aim to make available a micro-mobility platform that enables people to access a bike as a mode of transportation. Overall, the new fund is a significant step forward for Bike for Good in their mission to make cycling more affordable, accessible, and widespread.”

Delivered by Cycling UK in Scotland, the #CycleShareFund will get more people in Scotland cycling through organisations like Bike for Good Glasgow.

It will enable access to a bike in an way that is:

🔹 affordable

🔹 easy

🔹 convenient

#PowerOfTheBike

#GlasgowScotland2023

Cycling World Championships: Volunteer kit revealed

The Champs Clan, made up of 4,000 volunteers from Scotland and abroad, will play a key role in the success of the cycling mega-event

Organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have unveiled the Championships kit.

The ‘Champs Clan’ is the team of 4,000 volunteers who will play a key role in the success of the biggest cycling event in history, coming to Glasgow and Scotland in August 2023. A gathering of the “clan” took place on Sunday 18 June with a sneak preview shared at this orientation event.

The Champs Clan features members from Scotland, the UK and around the world, with thousands of people excited to play a part in delivering the upcoming cycling mega event. Volunteers will play key roles within every venue, from making sure spectators have the best experience possible, to assisting with media operations and supporting elite cyclists.

The Champs Clan will be a recognisable and cherished part of the UCI Cycling Worlds, creating special memories for volunteers and fans in the same way as the “Clyde-siders” in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the “Games-makers” for the London 2012 Olympics.

The first gathering of the Champs Clan was held on Sunday 18 June, where 1,500 volunteers descended on Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall for an orientation day hosted by Heart Scotland’s Des Clarke and Jennifer Reoch.

The event helped the volunteers learn more about the key roles they will play in August, while helping to raise the excitement for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

A much-anticipated part of the event was the exclusive reveal of the official volunteer outfit, provided by official provider Kukri Sports, the multi-sport clothing manufacturer.

Also in attendance at the event was Sean Batty, presenter and Champion for the volunteer programme, Lusia Steele (track cyclist representing Scotland and Great Britain), Trudy Lindblade (CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships).

Christina McKelvie, MSP, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development said: “Volunteers have an important part to play in the success of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and we are grateful to them for their enthusiasm and commitment to this groundbreaking mega event.

“It was great to see the energy and passion from the volunteers when I attended the first gathering of the Champs Clan held recently in Glasgow. I’m confident that our volunteers will give visitors a warm Scottish welcome during an exciting eleven days of sport in August.”

UCI President David Lappartient said: “An event the size and importance of these UCI Cycling World Championships could not run smoothly without the commitment and hard work of the volunteers.

“I sincerely thank the thousands of people who signed up to be part of the Champs Clan. They will be recognisable during the event thanks to their kit unveiled today, and I look forward to meeting some of them when I attend the different UCI World Championships taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland.”

Trudy Lindblade, CEO, of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “Scotland is renowned as a warm and welcoming country and the Champs Clan are ready to welcome the world.

“We know from previous major events including UEFA EURO 2020 and the 2014 Commonwealth Games how vital volunteers are to the success of major events, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“It was wonderful to see all our volunteers at our orientation day, I was inspired by their passion and dedication to delivering another mega event for Scotland”.

Billy Garrett Director of Culture, Tourism & Events, Glasgow Life said: “With our extensive experience in this area over recent years and sizeable events, Glasgow Life has taken on the role of delivering the volunteer programme for the whole Championships.

“In addition to enhancing overall visitor experience, through the programme, we are continuing to provide high quality, purposeful and meaningful volunteering opportunities that are accessible and inclusive. Importantly, we also provide pathways and information for future volunteering opportunities to retain skills and systems in Scotland for the future.”

Sean Batty, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Volunteer Champion said: “It’s amazing to see the excitement among the Champs Clan as they gathered for the first time. They will all play such a key role in delivering this incredible event.

“We all can’t wait for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to start and for Scotland to put on a show for the whole world to enjoy.”

Josh Beal, Sales Director, Kukri Sports said “With huge excitement building up to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, we can’t wait for the unveiling of the kit and all the staff and volunteers to get to see what they will be wearing this summer.

“It is extremely exciting to launch the official kit and design for such a fantastic event.”