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.
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.”