UCI Cycling World Championships – The NEN

Record crowds attend biggest cycling event ever

Inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships come to a close

Women Elite Road Race brings the curtain down on inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships with Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky claiming the final medal and rainbow jersey

A preliminary estimate of 1 million fans turned out to watch the various competitions taking place in Glasgow and in host regions across Scotland

653 medals were awarded across the competition

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have been declared a huge success after a preliminary estimate of 1 million spectators turned out to watch the festival of cycling, while millions more tuned in around the world to see the 11 days of cycling action taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland.

The final event of the programme, the Women Elite Road Race, brought the curtain down on the inaugural event that has seen 13 UCI World Championships combined into one mega event for the first time ever.

Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky claimed the top spot following a thrilling finish to the race that saw tens of thousands line the route between Balloch and Glasgow. It was the first time the women’s elite road race has closed a UCI World Championship, with 207 riders (including Women Under 23) taking on the 154.1km course. This is up on the 129 riders that took to the start line at the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia.

A total of 653 medals were awarded and 220 UCI Rainbow jerseys races have been raced as fans of all ages flocked to venues across the country to witness cycling history being made, with sold out crowds at events across the programme.

Additionally, spectators lined roads, ramps, and routes at locations including Glasgow Green, Stirling, Edinburgh, Perth and Kinross, Dundee, Angus, Fife, Falkirk, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, and Dumfries and Galloway, to cheer on riders at free events up and down the country.

Across all competitions, almost 8,00 elite and amateur athletes took part with Great Britain topping both the cycling and para-cycling medal table with 56 and 44 medals, respectively. A full list of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships medal winners and results is available here.

Such numbers demonstrate how the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have undoubtedly inspired new fans of the sport and created new experiences for thousands of spectators at home and abroad.

In addition, EY (Ernst & Young) have been commissioned to conduct a qualitative social and economic impact assessment for the event to detail the value that it has brought to Scotland.

The delivery of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships would not have been possible without the support of the 4,000 volunteers who have supported in key roles across every venue, from making sure spectators have the best experience possible, to assisting with media operations and supporting elite cyclists.

UCI President David Lappartient said: “The inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships have taken our sport to new heights.

“The 13 UCI World Championships that took place in Glasgow and across Scotland united all members of the wide cycling family, bringing together different disciplines, an unprecedented number of nations and a record number of television viewers worldwide.

“The fantastic welcome from Scotland and the excellent organisation created a clear benchmark for future editions of this magnificent cycling show, that will take place every four years, before the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Paul Bush OBE, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chair, said: ““The 2023 Cycling World Championships have brought together around 8000 athletes from over 130 countries, in what has been an unprecedented celebration of cycling.

“It is testament to Scotland’s reputation as a world leading events destination that we were handed this opportunity by the UCI, and I just want to thank everyone who has played a role, from our funding partners to our host regions, the athletes, the spectators and of course the volunteers. Everyone has contributed to a memorable event that has further boosted the nation’s reputation as a major event destination.

“Our host venues have thrived, making history in staging world class sporting events and welcoming thousands of visitors over the course of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

“Signing off with huge crowds of spectators lining the streets of Glasgow to watch the women’s elite road race has been very special, providing a fitting finale to an event which has inspired new fans of the sport and showcased Scotland in the best light to the millions watching around the world.”

Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com – 13/08/2023 – Road Cycling – 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships – Loch Lomond to Glasgow, Scotland – Women’s Elite Road Race – The roll out

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I would like to thank all the athletes, volunteers, and staff, including those from the emergency services and other partner organisations, who played such important roles in delivering this unique and hugely successful event which showed Glasgow and Scotland at their very best.

“I am immensely proud of how the UCI Cycling World Championships showcased our welcoming and inclusive country and have been delighted to see the huge crowds turning out to watch the action. The Championships have undoubtedly been yet another vote of confidence in Scotland as a destination of choice for staging major global events.

“We will work now to ensure this event leaves a lasting legacy that benefits our economy and environment, and that inspires people from all walks of life to be more active and healthier through the power of the bike.”

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken said: “From the first race to the last; riders, fans and officials have been telling us that 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will go down in history as not only the biggest, but one of the greatest ever held.

“The UCI approached Glasgow to pioneer this new ‘super’ UCI World Championships because they understood what a great events city this is; what an amazing passion for sport it has – and they knew we were the safest pair of safe hands when it came to making it all work.

“The faith they showed in Glasgow to host a truly global event was remarkable and I’m delighted the city has been able to repay that faith so emphatically – surpassing their expectations and even our own.

“The sport has been fiercely competitive, with racers needing to be at the very peak of their powers to be in contention for medals – and it has drawn huge audiences, on the road, in venues and across the world on television.

“There is nowhere quite like Glasgow when it comes to creating an atmosphere and people who are ready to throw themselves into an event, heart, and soul.

“One of the big themes of this event has been ‘The Power of the Bike’ – and I think these UCI Worlds have also resonated because they have given people an opportunity to rethink their ambitions for what our city can be.

“For Glasgow, the last eleven days have demonstrated that The Power of the Bike is making an already great city more vibrant and healthier; accessible, active and connected.”

Esther Britten, Head of Major Events at UK Sport said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has been a wonderful showcase for why the UK hosts brilliant major sporting events.

“Over the past 11 days of competition, we’ve seen some incredible performances, including from a British team who have turned out numerous extraordinary sporting moments, all against a backdrop of passionate and knowledgeable fans who have created a fantastic atmosphere at all the venues.

“Bringing events like the UCI Cycling World Championships to British shores is only made possible through the support of The National Lottery, so we owe a big thank you to everyone who buys a lottery ticket.”

British Cycling CEO, Jon Dutton, said: “Like so many people I leave the UCI Cycling World Championships feeling incredibly proud of our British riders, whose bold, brave, and brilliant performances have taken this event into the hearts and homes of fans across the country.

“New stars have been born, our household names have delivered in spades, and we now have an amazing opportunity to harness all of that inspiration to ensure that more people ride, race and enjoy our sport in the future.”

PICTURES:

Start at Loch Lomond: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

Lotte Kopecky crossing the finish line: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

Peloton: Pauline Ballet/SWpix.com

Podium: Thomas Maheux/SWpix.com

Record numbers tune in to watch UCI Cycling World Championships

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland is set to become the one of the most watched cycling events ever, with broadcast figures from the first four days of action showing record numbers of viewers are tuning in at home and abroad.

In the first four days, more than two million viewers in the UK alone watched the action unfold live on the BBC with more than one million watching Austrian Valentina Höll and Great Britain’s Charlie Hatton become the Women’s and Men’s Elite Mountain Bike Downhill UCI World Champions in the stunning surroundings of Fort William.

A further peak of 800,000 viewers tuned into the dramatic men’s road race on Sunday 6 August, as Mathieu Van der Poel clinched the rainbow jersey, in front of a further 300,000 people who lined the route between Edinburgh and Glasgow and during the 10 laps of Glasgow’s tough city circuit.

With an average of 600,000 viewers, it was the highest UK television audience for a UCI World Championship Men Elite road race in recent years: an average of 350,000 viewers in 2020 (in Imola, Italy), 220,000 viewers in 2021 (in Flanders, Belgium) and 188,000 last year (in Wollongong, Australia).

The Track and Para-cycling Track competitions, held jointly for the first time, had an average of 500,000 viewers tuning in to watch the competition at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome.

The total number of spectators to watch the cycling in person now exceeds more than 500,000, whether it’s witnessing the action on Scottish roads, at the BMX Freestyle Park at Glasgow Green, the Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William, the Mountain Bike Cross-country Marathon in Glentress or Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, while millions more have tuned into the action from overseas.

The statistics on 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships official social media reflect the interest worldwide, with a reach of 4.6 million and more than 193,000 engagements with people liking, sharing and commenting on posts in the first four days of the event across the first four days. The 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs website has also had 400,000 unique users since the start of the event, with the schedule page being the most popular.

The numbers will no doubt be boosted by what is set to become a record-breaking women’s road race on Sunday, with thousands of fans expected to create a wall of noise around Glasgow once again, as the world’s leading female cyclists have the honour of closing the biggest event in the history of the sport.

Paul Bush OBE, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chair, said: “After the many months and years of planning, it really has been special to see the number of fans making their way to the roadside, or into venues to watch the world’s best cyclists compete across all disciplines.

“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase to a global audience the stunning landscape and iconic locations Scotland has on offer across the length and breadth of the country.

“I want to say thank you to all our host regions for their contribution to shaping the goodwill and positive atmosphere across all our venues, but I also want to pay tribute to the incredible number of local fans who are showing the world why Scotland is the perfect stage for major events.

“I hope the crowds keep coming along in person and tuning into the excellent coverage being provided by the BBC, especially as we head into a huge occasion on Sunday as the women road racers compete to give these UCI Cycling World Championships the finale they deserve.”

UCI President David Lappartient said: “I have been visiting different competition venues since the beginning of the UCI Cycling World Championships so have experienced first-hand the fervor of on-site spectators.

“The television viewing figures from the first four days of competition demonstrate that the same passion and excitement are shared by cycling fans who cannot be present but are able to witness the action thanks to the event’s record television coverage. It is far from over, and I am convinced that the remaining competitions will be every bit as popular.”

Scottish Government: Placing diverse communities at the heart of events

Against the backdrop of the world’s biggest cycling event in history, discussions are taking place which aim to further boost equality, diversity and inclusion across Scotland’s world-renowned events sector.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has seen competitions for disabled and non-disabled athletes taking place alongside each other. This inclusive approach has helped to showcase and raise awareness of Para sport.

Yesterday in Glasgow Culture Secretary Angus Robertson hosted a roundtable with partners representing people with protected characteristics, such as race and young people, to explore ways to strengthen the approach to the planning, delivery and legacy of major events.

Along with a public consultation and stakeholder workshops held earlier in 2023, this will inform the refreshed National Events Strategy for 2025-2035.

Mr Robertson said: “It’s important that collectively we make most of the many benefits events can bring to the lives of diverse communities right across Scotland.

“The UCI Cycling World Championships are a great example of how mega events like this can showcase our cultural diversity, boost accessibility and extend a warm welcome to all communities.

“The inclusion of Para sports in the Cycling World Championships has contributed significantly to the atmosphere. The competitive spirit and level of skill and dedication demonstrated by all athletes taking part side by side has been inspirational and an important part of the success of the event.

“We want our portfolio of world-class events to deliver positive economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for everyone in Scotland.”

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships runs until 13 August. The event has a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, including through signing a Ride Together Pledge.

Scottish Labour’s Shadow Minister for Culture Foysol Choudhury MSP said that championships as such are an excellent opportunity to get more people into sports and showcase all that Scotland has to offer to the world.

The Lothians list MSP said: “With our fantastic landscape and cities as backdrops for the event, it’s been great to show the world exactly why so many of us are proud to call Scotland our home.

“Not only that, but it’s really helped to encourage sport, amongst young people and adults alike.

“We not only have breath-taking scenery if you want to cycle outdoors, but we also have excellent velodromes for indoor cycling.

“This is a great opportunity to embrace active travel as part of a healthy lifestyle and start cycling again-I know I’ve definitely been inspired to get back into the habit!”

As part of the build-up to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, an £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund has been jointly invested by the Scottish Government and Sportscotland to support cycling communities and club facilities across Scotland.

Mr Choudhury continued: “To encourage active travel and sport, we need to make sure that everybody has access to the equipment and facilities needed to participate. That’s why funding to community and club facilities is so important.

“I would like to congratulate two projects from West Lothian – Balbardie Park Pump Track and West Lothian Cycle Circuit, Linlithgow – who have received awards of £45,433 and £636,011, respectively.

“I hope that my constituents can make use of the benefits that these funds can bring.

“Let’s all get inspired by the Championships this summer and join in to feel the Power Of The Bike! “

Now We Ride: UK Cyclists take on epic 23 Million Miles charity challenge

Love To Ride, the online community cycling platform, and partner charities of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, World Bicycle Relief and Maggie’s, have announced a partnership to change lives while encouraging Brits to get on their bikes.

The 23 Million Miles Challenge will see cyclists around the country contribute their rides – whether one or one hundred miles – to an epic 23 million mile goal ahead of the biggest cycling event in the world, the UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland, 3-13 August 2023. Cyclists can now fundraise for the life-changing partner charities whilst adding their mileage to the total.

World Bicycle Relief, the Championships’ global charity partner, provides purpose-designed, hard-wearing ‘Buffalo Bicycles’ to people in need in rural areas around the world where access to basic goods and services is affected by long distances and harsh terrain.

These bicycles help children, adults, families and communities reach life-changing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Fundraising through the 23 Million Miles Challenge will help World Bicycle Relief to meet its target of providing 1 million bicycles by 2025.

After setting up a fundraising page for World Bicycle Relief, cyclists can register with Love to Ride, set a mileage goal, begin fundraising with family, friends or colleagues, then hit the saddle and start logging their miles.

Maggie’s, the Championships’ national charity partner, provides free, practical and psychological support to anyone living with cancer, their families and friends. Maggie’s centres offer a warm and welcoming place to go for people at every stage of cancer. Visitors can speak to professional staff including cancer support specialists, clinical psychologists, benefits advisors and relaxation therapists, who offer individual and group support to help live well with cancer.

By taking part in the 23 Million Miles Challenge and choosing to fundraise for Maggie’s, cyclists can directly contribute to the charity’s vital services and programs and support anyone living with cancer.

Maggie’s are calling on cycling fans to take part in their virtual Gran Fondo, challenging them to take on 250km or 500km by 13 August and raise funds to help support everyone living with cancer. Riders can sign up to receive a free cycling jersey, join Maggie’s Strava club, and start logging their miles with Love to Ride.

Claire Geiger, Director of Partnerships, World Bicycle Relief, said: “The UCI Cycling World Championships is bringing cycling to Scotland and the world on a scale we’ve never experienced before, but there’s more to the Championships than competition.

“These next few months are all about showcasing the power of the bike as not only a tool for sport, commuting, and recreation, but also for transportation in remote parts of the world. By logging miles and raising money, cyclists around the United Kingdom can help in the mission to get more people riding bikes.”

Adam Feder, Head of Partnerships, Maggie’s, said: “At Maggie’s we know how cycling – and movement in general – can play a huge part in emotional and physical recovery after cancer.

“That’s we’re delighted to be working with Love to Ride and the 2023 Cycling World Championships to showcase the #powerofthebike and encourage more people to get cycling to support their mental and physical health.”

Angus Rodney, Partnerships Manager for Scotland, Love To Ride, said: “Love to Ride are delighted to work in partnership with Maggies, World Bicycle Relief, and the 2023 Cycling World Championships team.

“Ultimately we want to inspire people to jump on their bikes, build some excitement around this amazing event which showcases the power of the bike. And motivate people to do their bit to contribute towards net zero.

“The goal is big, but by working together we can achieve big things!”

Find out more about the 23 Million Miles Challenge here.

Cycling World Champs: Charity partner calls for volunteers

Volunteers and fundraisers across Scotland prepare to help World Bicycle Relief deliver 1 million bikes to communities in need around the world
More cycling-loving volunteers needed to bring World Bicycle Relief events to life in key Championship venues including Glasgow, Glentress, and Fort William

Ahead of the first-ever UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland in August, World Bicycle Relief, the official Global Charity Partner of the 2023 event, is preparing to announce an ambitious programme of events and activities created to unite communities across Scotland to celebrate the power of the bike.

But first, World Bicycle Relief is calling on audacious Scots to donate their time at the Cycling World Championships.

Cycling fans who sign up as volunteers will join World Bicycle Relief’s passionate team to celebrate the sport’s greatest athletes at this world-first event – all while fundraising to help to provide 1 million bicycles to transform the lives of thousands of families and communities around the world.

World Bicycle Relief’s volunteers will get involved in exciting activations alongside iconic World Bicycle Relief partners; lead community bike rides; support school and club activities; and help deliver inspiring fundraising activities. All with the goal of raising money to provide bikes and train mechanics.

In Glasgow, the Glasgow Green BMX hub will be home to a VR experience where volunteers will help the public can ride a Buffalo Bike and see exactly what the bike’s recipient would.

In George Square, volunteers will support a milk churn challenge, where participants will try and shift full milk churns with and without the help of a Buffalo Bike – a great way of demonstrating how a bike can boost physical capabilities and help people transport goods.

In event villages around Scotland volunteers will also help sell merchandise and man donation points, as well as host competitions and challenges for the public.

World Bicycle Relief works with communities to provide Buffalo Bicycles – sturdy bikes specially designed to carry heavy loads and handle rugged terrain – to people in need who live in rural, unpaved areas. These bikes can transform lives by helping schoolchildren and adults access education, employment, and healthcare.

Mark Kiehlmann, an Agile Project Manager based in Glasgow, has volunteered for World Bicycle Relief since 2020 and is looking forward to leading the charity’s Cycling World Championships mountain biking volunteer team alongside his wife and three children:

“I’ve witnessed first-hand the transformation that bicycles can bring to children, women and men in countries like Kenya where I once worked. Children could shorten the time taken to get to school by cycling, allowing them to travel more safely and quickly while providing more time for essential chores like collecting firewood or water. While women I met, like Irene, could transport more of the food she grew easily, sell it fresh and get home safely by bicycle.

“The Cycling World Championships is going to be an incredible opportunity to share World Bicycle Relief’s life-changing message that anyone, anywhere in the world should have the opportunity to pursue their goals without feeling stuck or unsafe due to distance or lack of transportation.

“I can’t wait to get involved in the biggest cycling event ever where the world’s greatest riders will make history in Scotland and show the world the power of the bike – all while making a difference to communities around the world!”

UCI Cycling World Championships: Community Engagement Sessions

Men’s Elite Road Race comes to Edinburgh on 6th August

In advance of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships the organisers are hosting two community engagement sessions at Stockbridge Library and Edinburgh Central Library on July 13 for residents to find out how the August 6 event will impact them

Full details here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/uci-world-cycling…

Host regions confirmed for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships – Gran Fondo

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:

https://granfondo.cyclingworldchamps.com/