Tag: Sport

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launches 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships ticket sales

  • 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.
  • Tickets from as little as £8 and registration for free events available at  www.cyclingworldchamps.com/visit/tickets/ 

Cycling fans from around the world can now secure their tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships with general tickets officially on sale from 10.00am 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. 

Tickets can be purchased for as little as £8 or fans can register for various free events at www.cyclingworldchamps.com/visit/tickets/

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.

Hibs owner Ron Gordon dies aged 68

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.

RIP Ronald J Gordon (August 1954 – February 2023)

The Ivy on the Square celebrates the Six Nations Championship with new cocktail line up

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.

Treble up for Musselburgh

Musselburgh Racecourse gallops ahead with three industry awards

Musselburgh Racecourse has strengthened its position as Scotland’s leading horse racing venue with three accolades from leading industry and visitor attraction organisations.

The East Lothian course was awarded Gold Standard status by the Racehorse Owners’ Association (ROA), one of only 12 UK courses to achieve the standard and ranked third behind York and sister course Chester.

Musselburgh was assessed as having an overall quality score of 89% and received 100% ratings in four categories including for cleanliness. The ROA said the Gold Standard was awarded to courses which provide an outstanding race day experience for owners and demonstrated a “truly exemplary performance”.

Sixty courses participated in the scheme scoring an average quality score of 80%. Musselburgh achieved an 89% rating with an owner’s feedback score of 4.4 out of five against an average score of 3.7%.

The Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme assesses the raceday experience from the perspective of customers, with each racecourse visited by a trained assessor from VisitScotland. The assessments analyse all touchpoints of the customer experience including pre-raceday information, the on-course experience and post-raceday communications.

Musselburgh was awarded an RCA Excellence Accolade for its Staff Customer Service and also retained its five star visitor attraction status, meaning it is considered an “exceptional” venue by VisitScotland.

The RCA said 2022 had been a particularly challenging year for sport and leisure venues, and the retention of the prestigious five star rating demonstrated the ongoing investment in Scotland into the raceday experience.

Paul Swain, the RCA’s Raceday Experience & Communications Manager, said: “The scheme demonstrates the RCA and its members’ ongoing commitment to reviewing and enhancing the raceday experience.

“It has been a challenging year for racecourses with inflation, soaring energy bills and the wider cost of living crisis. This, along with the difficulties of securing staff, has meant that racecourses have had to adapt and innovate to continue to offer the experiences our racegoers are accustomed to.”

VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Manager, Angie Fowler, said: “We congratulate the Scottish racecourses in retaining their excellent quality visitor attraction ratings, with three of them retaining our top accolade. 

“A commitment to quality is clearly demonstrated across these racecourses and in particular, their dedication to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors is helping to inspire other attractions across Scotland. 

“Their determination to maintain and improve standards is about much more than just a star rating, it is about providing a visitor experience consistent in standards across all areas. Quality and value-for-money are important to consumers, especially during challenging economic times, and delivering experiences that meet and exceed visitor expectations is crucial in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.”

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “It is important and useful to be able to measure our performance and the race day experience we offer across multiple metrics and I am delighted that Musselburgh continues to be one of the best performing and value for money sports and visitor attractions in the UK.

“The bar is set high but we are always striving to find new or improved ways of making sure everyone who visits Musselburgh, be that regular racegoers and owners or casual visitor, leaves feeling they have enjoyed the day and will want to return.

“Maintaining these high standards is only possible because of the energy and commitment of our permanent and race day staff who work with key partners to ensure consistent quality across all our operations and these awards are recognition of their efforts.”

Hibernian Executive Chairman Ron Gordon reveals he has cancer

A LETTER TO SUPPORTERS FROM EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN RONALD J GORDON

Dear Supporters,

Some of you may have noticed that I have not been at Easter Road in some time. I love the Club and I love Edinburgh, and I come to our home in the city as often as possible and go to as many games as I can. That is why I’m writing this letter to you all to explain why I’ve not been around as usual.

For most of this past year I have been receiving treatment for cancer. It has been a difficult time for me and the family, but I’m blessed to have their love and support as we navigate through the challenge. I imagine many of you will have gone through similar times in your own families. We all stick together to get through these difficult times. Unfortunately, my treatment has made international travel a little more challenging as I’m sure you will understand.

However, while undergoing the treatment I’ve remained in daily contact with our Chief Executive Ben Kensell, who continues to run the club with the support of the Board. That will remain the case as we continue to move forward on a variety of initiatives to further advance the club.

I want to assure you all that our family’s commitment to the club’s long-term success remains absolute, and I will be back with you at Easter Road as soon as my treatment allows.

I realize that our men’s team has gone through a challenging time on the pitch – it was disappointing for all of us to go out of the Cup to our city rivals. However, the result and performance against Aberdeen showed that we can be a real force in this league once we manage to achieve some consistency. There have been mistakes, but we are learning from them, and we are working to put things in place to be better going forward.

I am very grateful and fully appreciate your continued support of the team and the club. As you know, it will take all of us working together to help the club achieve its goals on and off the pitch, so your commitment and engagement is both necessary and very welcomed. As always, thank you for your support and your trust, and I wish all of you the very best for 2023.

Ronald J Gordon, Executive Chairman

#GGTTH

Edinburgh Castle lights up in rainbow colours marking six months to go until UCI Cycling World Championships

  • Iconic Scottish landmarks illuminated in the UCI’s rainbow colours to mark six months until the biggest cycling event in the world

Organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships marked six months to go until the first-of-its-kind event by lighting up iconic landmarks in Glasgow and across Scotland where the 13 UCI World Championship events are set to take place from 3-13 August 2023.

Having these landmarks across the country illuminated in the colours of the UCI rainbow stripes, reflects not only the range of locations and venues where the UCI World Championships will take place, in a pan-Scotland celebration of cycling, but also how Scotland will be welcoming the world, with the stripes signifying the five continents.

From the Riverside Museum on the banks of the river Clyde in Glasgow to the majesty of Edinburgh Castle, the historic Stirling Castle, and the fortress like Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland was on full display to begin the countdown to the inaugural cycling event in August.

All landmarks were chosen as they are located in the regions that are venues for the Championships.

The world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands, the waters of Loch Lomond in West Dunbartonshire and in the Scottish Borders, the historic Traquair House were also illuminated in the colours of the iconic UCI rainbow stripes, helping to build awareness and anticipation for the upcoming Championships.

These regions of Scotland will see thousands of amateur and elite cycling athletes from over 120 countries competing across the 13 UCI World Championships for the first time at the mega-event, making it the largest event in cycling history.

Edinburgh Castle was illuminated in recognition of Edinburgh hosting the start of the Men’s Road race. 

To register for tickets or for additional information, please visit the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships website.

Audrey Jones, Head of Hospitality and Events at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that a number of our sites, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, provided a fitting backdrop for kicking off the countdown to the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds, an event that is set to be truly historic.”

Angus Robertson, Culture Secretary, Scottish Government said: “It’s only six months to go until the eyes of the world are on Glasgow and Scotland for the UCI Cycling World Championships.

“Not only will this be an incredible showcase of talent from across the globe but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to highlight all that Scotland has to offer to people travelling from near and far for the event. We look forward to welcoming everyone from athletes to cycling enthusiasts to people just looking for a great day out.”

UCI President David Lappartient said: “We are now into the final stretch of preparations for these milestone UCI Cycling World Championships. Illuminating landmarks at key venues inGlasgow and across Scotland has given everyone a true sense of the importance and enormity of this inaugural event.

“Six months will pass by quickly and I cannot wait to see fans and athletes from cycling’s many different disciplines join together for these eleven days of excitement, celebration and competition that will crown virtually all of our UCI World Champions for 2023.”

Paul Bush, OBE, Chair of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “Shining the iconic UCI rainbow jersey colours onto some of the country’s most incredible and well-known locations heralds another significant milestone in the run up to the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships.

“With six months to go until Scotland hosts the biggest cycling event ever staged, the lighting up of landmarks acts as a celebratory beacon ahead of eleven action packed days in August where UCI World Champions will be crowned, and audiences wowed by must-see moments.

“Having mega events of this size and scale in our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s position as a world-leading events destination and reinforces Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events”.

Royal Rumble: 5 Surprising Statistics

Since its start in January 1988, the Royal Rumble has become a popular mainstay on WWE’s calendar, known for its surprise appearances and unexpected winners. 

Wrestling-World.com have provided a fascinating guide on everything you need to know about the current champions, records, and stats from Royal Rumble history: 

1. The most viewed Royal Rumble matches on YouTube 

WWE’s YouTube channel is currently the 8th most subscribed to channel worldwide, with 92.7 million followers. WWE often upload full matches to YouTube for fans to rewatch, so below are the most popular Royal Rumble matches on the verified WWE channel. 
Currently, the most viewed match on YouTube is the 2017 Royal Rumble, with 128 million views. The 2017 Rumble was a star-studded affair, featuring superstar legends such as The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho, Goldberg, Randy Orton, and several other top stars from modern-day WWE.  

The most viewed women’s Royal Rumble match, and the seventh most viewed overall, is the 2019 Royal Rumble won by Becky Lynch, with 33 million views. 

The most viewed Royal Rumble matches on YouTube 
Rank Year Views Men’s/Women’s 
1. 2017 128,298,794 Men’s 
2. 2020 89,239,597 Men’s 
3. 2018 80,421,380 Men’s 
4. 2008 74,001,113 Men’s 
5. 2016 57,912,789 Men’s 
6. 2010 36,930,412 Men’s 
7. 2019 33,764,419 Women’s 
8. 2019 31,082,495 Men’s 
9. 2012 27,972,770 Men’s 
10. 2020 24,409,067 Women’s 

2. Wrestlers with the most appearances in the Royal Rumble 

  1. Kane/Isaac Yankem/Diesel (20 appearances)
  2. Dolph Ziggler (15 appearances)
  3. Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton (14 appearances)
  4. Goldust, The Miz, Rey Mysterio (13 appearances)
  5. Big Show, Shawn Michaels (12 appearances)
  6. Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, The Undertaker (11 appearances)
  7. Mark Henry, Rikishi (10 appearances)
  8. Great Khali, Mabel/Viscera, Sheamus, Triple H (9 appearances) 
  9. Booker T, Cody Rhodes, Edge, Godfather, John Cena, John Morrison, Matt Hardy, R-Truth (8 appearances)
  10. Baron Corbi, Billy Gunn, Bob Holly, Cesaro, Jake Roberts, Rick Martel, Owen Hart (7 appearances)   

Kane unsurprisingly still holds the record for the most Royal Rumble appearances, competing in 20 matches in the event’s history, including appearances from Dr. Isaac Yankhem and Fake Diesel. He also holds the record for cumulative eliminations at 46. Dolph Ziggler ranks in second place with 15 Royal Rumble entries, with Kofi Kingson and Randy Orton following behind with 14 entries each. 

3. Who holds the record for the most Royal Rumble victories? 

Stone Cold Steve Austin currently holds the record for the most Royal Rumble victories, emerging victorious in 1997, 1998, and 2001. Although technically eliminated from the 1997 Royal Rumble, Austin snook back into the ring while the officials were distracted and eliminated Bret Hart to win the match. 

Just eight wrestlers have won the Rumble twice; Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, Batista, John Cena, Randy Orton, and Edge. 

Wrestlers with the most Royal Rumble victories 
Wins Wrestler Year 
3 Stone Cold Steve Austin 1997, 1998, 2001 
2 Hulk Hogan 1990, 1991 
2 Shawn Michaels 1995, 1996 
2 Triple H 2002, 2016 
2 Brock Lesnar 2003, 2022 
2 Batista 2005, 2014 
2 John Cena 2008, 2013 
2 Randy Orton 2009, 2017 
2 Edge 2010, 2021 

4. Wrestlers with the longest cumulative time spent in the Royal Rumble 

  1. Chris Jericho (4:59:33) 
  2. Randy Orton (4:34:08)
  3. Rey Mysterio (4:14:45)
  4. Triple H (4:00:50)
  5. Shawn Michaels (3:47:32)
  6. Edge (3:31:51)
  7. Kane/Diesel/Isaac Yankem/DDS (3:19:40)
  8. Dolph Ziggler (3:08:40)
  9. Cody Rhodes/Stardust (3:06:45)
  10. John Cena (2:48:32) 

Chris Jericho currently holds the record for overall time spent in the Royal Rumble match across a superstar’s career, with 4 hours, 59 minutes, and 33 seconds. In second place is Randy Orton with 4 hours, 34 minutes, and 8 seconds and in third place is Rey Mysterio, who could potentially take second place this year if he lasts over 20 minutes in the ring. In women’s matches, Charlotte Flair holds the record with 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 28 seconds. 

5. Wrestlers with the most career eliminations in the Royal Rumble 

  1. Kane (46 eliminations)
  2. The Undertaker (40 eliminations)
  3. Shawn Michaels (39 eliminations)
  4. Stone Cold Steve Austin (36 eliminations)
  5. Braun Strowman (33 eliminations)
  6. Big Show, Roman Reigns, Triple H (32 eliminations)
  7. Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton (29 eliminations)
  8. Hulk Hogan (27 eliminations)
  9. John Cena (25 eliminations) 
  10. Edge (23 eliminations) 

Kane currently holds the record for the most cumulative eliminations in Royal Rumble history after throwing an incredible 46 superstars over the top rope during his two dozen appearances in the company’s flagship battle royal. WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker ranks second, with 40 total career eliminations, followed by Shawn Michaels in third place, with 39 eliminations. 

A spokesperson for Wrestling-World.com commented on the findings: “The WWE Royal Rumble is one of wrestling’s most legendary events, kicking off the year and setting the tone for what is to come for WrestleMania season. 

“The Royal Rumble has a rich and interesting history since its beginning in 1988, with a lengthy list of legendary wrestlers setting some iconic records along the way. The following facts and statistics offer a fascinating insight into which matches are clear fan favourites and which superstars hold the most records to this day.”

This research was conducted by Wrestling-World.com, a portal dedicated to everything about the sport of wrestling, which strives to provide readers with daily news updates from around the wrestling world. 

Isuzu UK announce partnership with Scottish Football Association

  • Isuzu UK announced as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner for Scottish Cup
  • The eagerly anticipated Fourth Round takes place between January 21-23
  • Agreement further demonstrates Isuzu UK’s support and commitment to football in the UK

Isuzu UK has announced a new multi-year partnership with the Scottish FA as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner for the Men’s Scottish Cup.

With this new partnership, Isuzu UK is further expanding its role as the driving force behind domestic football with a partnership already in place in England, with the Isuzu FA Vase and Isuzu FA Trophy and with the Irish Football Association.

The Scottish Cup first began in the 1873-74 season and is the second oldest competition in association football. The first final was held on March 21, 1874, at the original Hampden Park with Queen’s Park emerging victorious against Clydesdale.

Celtic have won the trophy more times than any other club with 40 titles to their name, the most recent coming in 2020. Their Glasgow rivals Rangers are not far behind with 34 Scottish Cup triumphs.

The next round of this season’s competition is being held on the weekend of 21 January, with the Semi-Finals set for Saturday, 29 April and Sunday, 30 April 2023. The final will be held on Saturday 3 June 2023 at the National Stadium, Hampden Park.

The Pick-up Professionals at Isuzu dealerships across Scotland will be getting actively involved with their local clubs, with some having already started making preparations for local sponsorship deals and promotional matchday activations.

William Brown, Managing Director, Isuzu UK said “We are extremely proud to announce our new partnership with the Scottish FA and the Scottish Cup.

“This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to domestic football and is also the last piece of the puzzle which now provides us with sports sponsorship across the whole of the UK.”

Michael Paterson, Head of Marketing and Partnerships, Scottish FA commented “We are delighted to welcome Isuzu UK as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner for the Men’s Scottish Cup.

“Our flagship tournament boasts an illustrious history and, with a bumper Fourth Round weekend to look forward to in January, it is a hugely exciting time to welcome on board such an iconic and established international brand.

“This prestigious competition has given us so many unforgettable moments over the years and we look forward to sharing some more alongside the team at Isuzu UK.”

Rob Wainwright: Doing it for Doddie

A volunteer on-call firefighter and former rugby player has vowed to keep Doddie Weir’s fundraising legacy alive to help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Rob Wainwright is a farmer on the Island on Coll who helps to protect his local community in his role supporting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He’s also a former Scottish rugby captain, British and Irish Lion, and teammate of rugby legend Doddie Weir.

Three years ago, Rob founded Doddie Aid. To date, the mass participation event has raised around £2m for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, with the Foundation itself ploughing around £8m into MND research in the last five years.

Rob and Doddie remained close after their days on the field finished. Sadly, Doddie passed away last month following a battle with MND.

Rob said: “We are going through a period of sadness, but Doddie would not want us moping about.  He would want us getting on with it – fundraising and trying to find a cure – and that’s what we will do.”

Rob said: “It’s a huge legacy and it’s for nothing if it doesn’t continue. It falls upon us that are left to carry the flame for Doddie and carry on his determination to find breakthroughs in the science and treatment of MND. Doddie may be gone but he is still leading us and driving us onwards.”

The last time Rob saw Doddie was when Doddie made a flying visit to the Island of Coll around two months ago.

Rob said: “When you play rugby with someone you are bound together by being part of a team. Doddie was a country man, a bit like myself and we shared the same kind of humour. We just hit it off.

“He came up for a visit and it was great to see him. We had lunch at The Coll Hotel and went on a distillery tour at Ardnamurchan. He needed things like that to look forward to. That was the last time I saw him.”

When Doddie passed away tributes poured in from all around the world and Rob wasn’t surprised by the amount of love felt for Doddie.

Rob said: “He was an extremely warm character, wonderfully friendly, with the perfect blend of humour and compassion. He was just a really good people person, with a really attractive personality that people loved, and he was very giving of his time.

“There was a lot that happened behind the scenes. Doddie was introduced to people who had just been diagnosed with MND. He was able to give them guidance and he in turn got guidance from other people.”

Rob has been putting plans in place for Doddie Aid. The mass participation event starts on January 1, 2023, and anyone can sign up and set their own challenge and fundraising goals.

Doddie Aid also includes a cycling event where hundreds of cyclists will leave from Cardiff’s Millenium Stadium on Thursday February 9, to arrive at Murrayfield in Edinburgh for the Scotland v Wales Six Nations match on Saturday February 11. The 555 mile cycle will be a continuous ride throughout the 48 hours.

And next year’s event is set to be even more emotional.

Rob said: “Everything will be a lot more poignant. It’s emotional anyway – when you get tired and you’ve been at it for a day and half, you’re running out of energy, haven’t eaten properly or slept and then the amazing welcomes at some of the rugby clubs.

“This year there’s even more determination, to make it even bigger and channel that love for Doddie now that he has gone.

“I’ve set myself a target of having 50,000 people signed up to Doddie Aid and to raise £2m for MND research.”

As well as organising Doddie Aid, Rob helps to keep his local Coll community safe as a volunteer on call firefighter – a role he’s held for nearly 20 years.

His colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have rallied to submit a cycling team for Doddie Aid. Rob’s fellow volunteer on call firefighters from the island’s fire station will be joining a 13-strong team from the SFRS East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute area.

Rob will be cycling as part of a British and Irish Rugby Lions Team.

He said: “I’m wishing luck to the SFRS team. I know they’ve been in training. Winter cycling in February might sound like a stupid thing to do but it’s overcoming these challenges working as a team – it will be a very uplifting experience.”

Area Commander Joe McKay is SFRS Local Senior Officer for East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute. He said: “We’ve seen first-hand the huge amount of effort it takes to organise Doddie Aid and we’re delighted to support Rob’s determination and importantly to support Doddie’s mission to raise money to help find a cure for MND.”

Jill Douglas, CEO, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly appreciative of all that the SFRS do, and to have them joining the Doddie Cup 555 ride is great!

“The ride is a gruelling challenge, but made easier knowing that each push of a pedal and mile covered takes us closer towards finding a cure to motor neuron disease.”

And that’s Rob’s goal – to keep fundraising to try to help others.

He said: “This is a call to arms. Please get involved, download the app, sign up, encourage people to join and spread the word.

“We have come a long way, but the journey needs to be pushed on. Doddie was defined not by what he did in his glory days on the rugby field, but by how he coped with his ultimate challenge, how he attacked it and the momentum he created to find solutions for MND.

“There’s lots of people out there with MND. Many of them don’t have the platform that Doddie had but he had that platform, and he used it. He had an amazing energy and determination to find a solution to this disease and to help others. He’ll keep pushing us on even though he isn’t here.

“We’ll keep funding research and hopefully there will be a breakthrough that will really make a difference for sufferers of MND. It’s what Doddie would have wanted.”

A service celebrating the life of rugby legend Doddie Weir is due to be held in the Scottish Borders today.

The former Scotland international died last month at the age of 52, six years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

The event takes place at Melrose Parish Church at 13:00 with anyone attending encouraged to wear tartan – a request made by Doddie Weir himself.

The service will be live streamed on Scottish Rugby’s website.

Sprinters in the starting blocks for revived ‘mane’ event

Athletes relish challenge as historic New Year’s Day race event makes its return

New Years day Races 010118 Picture: Alan Rennie

ATHLETES will compete in one of Scotland’s oldest sporting competitions as it makes a highly-anticipated return to its traditional place in the sporting calendar.

The annual sprint at Musselburgh Racecourse is now in its 154th year, but the pandemic forced it out of its New Year’s Day slot where it has been a popular annual fixture since 1999.

However, the first day of 2023 will see the New Year Sprint return to Musselburgh, as it welcomes athletes to compete in a 110m race with the winner receiving a top prize of £3,500.

It has been a top event on the open athlete sporting calendar since the 1870s, but was forced to take place mid-summer in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the Covid pandemic.

Now, finalists will be shortlisted after a day of heats on 30 December at Meadowbank Sports Centre, before the main event at Musselburgh Racecourse’s New Year’s Day Meeting supported by Fitzdares (1 January).

Since the sprint has been held at Musselburgh it has been a huge attraction for the venue, which is typically packed with race-goers for the New Year’s Day horse racing fixture.

Frank Hanlon, promoter of the New Year Sprint, said: “During its long history, the ‘Sprint’ has produced many top-class competitors and this year is no different. Its even more special as the event returns to Musselburgh Racecourse after a two-year break.

“For this event, a handicap starting system has been designed to ensure that any runner, no matter what their ability, age or gender, has a chance of scooping the big first prize.

“We’re looking forward to getting the heats underway and uncovering who will be competing in this year’s main event.”

The sprint final will be televised as part of ITV’s racing coverage of the day’s events, with runners taking place on the outer horse racing circuit used for flat racing, in front of the crowds gathered at the Grand Stand.

The Highland Fling marquee will host entertainment from ‘The Funkwagen’, a Volkswagen campervan which has been converted to include DJ decks – with racegoers able to enjoy many other entertainment options, including a wide range of bars and street food outlets.

Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse said: “After two years without the New Year Sprint, it is hugely exciting to get it back in front of a roaring crowd.

“The course is in fantastic condition for both horse and human racing and its set to kick off the New Year with a bang.”

The racecourse is also laying on a fleet of “first footer” ticketed buses from Penicuik, Dalkeith, Galashiels, Gorebridge, Dunbar, Haddington and Edinburgh which will ferry revellers to and from the East Lothian venue, which is a VisitScotland 5-star visitor attraction.

Advanced Adult tickets currently cost £40 – book before midnight 31st December to save £5 per person – on the day, will cost £45. Children 17 years and under go free

A timetable for the full New Year’s Day Sprint programme is available here:  

http://www.sportingworld.co.uk/newyearsprint/index.html

For further information and to book tickets for the final now, visit: 

https://www.musselburgh-

racecourse.co.uk/tickets/new-years-day-1-1-23