Everything you need to know about the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
The world's biggest ever cycling event takes place in Scotland over the next 11 days
For the first time in its 102 year history, all of the UCI Cycling World Championships are being brought under one roof.
It all starts on Thursday, with 13 different championships contested for across 11 days all in one country – Scotland.
So what exactly is the competition, where exactly is it taking place and what should be looked out for?
What is the UCI Cycling World Championships?
This is the inaugural UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Cycling World Championships – making it the world’s biggest ever cycling event.
Starting on Thursday August 3 and finishing on Sunday August 13, all 13 different World Championships will be competed at the same time in the same place.
Scotland was selected due to its impressive cycling facilities – such as the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome – and natural tracks in the countryside - like the Nevis Range in Fort William.
Eight of the 13 Championships will be held in Glasgow, with Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee, Dumfries, Fort William, Loch Lomond and the Borders all seeing some action as well.
There will be over 8,000 elite and amateur cyclists competing, including para-athletes, with over 120 countries represented.
Scotland is expecting over one million spectators across the eleven days.
The UCI have insisted that the Championships are policy led as well as they aim to be a catalyst for positive change across the country.
It is hoped that bringing the world’s best cyclists to Scotland will inspire more biking in the future, improving mental and physical health, the level of elite competition itself and increasing its use as a mode of transport and tourism.
The competition will be held every four years, with France hosting the 2027 edition.
What, where and when are the events taking place?
BMX Freestyle Park (Glasgow Green, Glasgow) 5-7th
BMX Freestyle Flatland (Glasgow Green, Glasgow) 8-10th
BMX Racing (Glasgow BMX Centre, Glasgow) 6-13th
Gran Fondo (Perth & Kinross) 4th & 7th
Indoor (Emirates Arena, Glasgow) 11-13th
Mountain Bike Cross Country (Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley) 8-12th
Mountain Bike Downhill (Nevis Range, Fort William) 3-5th
Mountain Bike Marathon (Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley) 6th
Para-cycling Road (Dumfries & Galloway) 9-13th
Para-cycling Track (Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow) 3-8th
Road (Road Starts: Edinburgh, Loch Lomond; Road Race Finish: George Square, Glasgow; Time Trial: Stirling) 5&6th / 8-13th
Track (Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow) 3-9th
Trials (Glasgow Green, Glasgow) 9-12th
Glasgow Life are also running the ‘GO LIVE’ scheme, with free cultural events and activities taking place throughout the city.
George Square is hosting the official fan zone and the finish line for all road races.
Tollcross Swimming Centre, Merchant Square, Cathkin Braes and Kelvingrove Park will also be holding events.
What to look out for?
The biggest events are the road races and track competitions from inside the Velodrome.
The men’s and women’s elite road races take place on the two Sunday’s and can be viewed from any point along the course.
They will both finish at George Square, whilst the West End of Glasgow may be the best place to view the action.
There are a number of Scottish athletes with high hopes behind them.
Katie Archibald is one of those, competing in her home city.
The 29-year-old is a two time Olympic gold medallist but has suffered several injury setbacks in recent years.
Archibald is back on her bike now and is determined to deliver at the Velodrome in front of a home crowd.
Jack Carlin, from Paisley, will lead the track team, whilst Aberdonian para-cyclist Neil Fachie is 15-time world champion and will hope to extend that impressive record.
Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas will have his eyes on the men’s elite road race, whilst the track is also suited Lizzie Deignan one week earlier.
Dame Sarah Storey is a para-cycling legend and will hope to medal once more.
There are also competitors in mountain biking to keep an eye out for, including Charlie Aldridge, Cameron Mason, Isla Short.
With over 8,000 athletes taking part there will be plenty to cheer when the competing begins.
It all gets underway on Wednesday evening with the opening ceremony in George Square.
Singer KT Tunstall will open the ceremony along with several other local acts, whilst Commonwealth competitors will be in the centre of the city to usher in the start of the games.
It may prove to be a seminal moment for Scottish cycling, both on and off the track.
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