2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Official Programme

44

50

149 The Champs Clan

Meet the unsung heroes working hard to ensure you enjoy this event to the fullest

151 Check it out

EVENTS 64 Para-Cycling Road 68 Road 73 Where to watch 74 Venue: George Square 76 Para-Cycling Track 80 Track 83 Venue: Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome 98

Weaving the Championships into the very fabric of Scotland with our own tartan and tweed

152 A brief history of cycling in Scotland

A story of intrepid inventors, recordbreaking riders and a multitude of medals

157 The 23 Million Mile Challenge

Grab your bike, set your goal, and win big, simply by logging your cycling journeys

158 Route maps

Your guide to all the Road and Mountain Bike routes for this years competition

169 A vehicle for change

43 112 144 76 UCI uci_cycling UCI_cycling ucichannel uci_cycling uci.org GlasgowScotland2023 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships 3

Views to stop you in your tracks

Major events such as these Championships enrich our cultural and sporting life. They also shine an international spotlight on Scotland, supporting our tourism industry and demonstrating that Scotland is an engaged, outward-looking nation.

On behalf of the Scottish Government, I want to extend a warm welcome to the participants, their support teams, UCI delegates, and spectators who have travelled from all over the world to be here. We are very pleased to host you and I am sure that you will enjoy your stay.

In hosting the first UCI Cycling World Championships, we aim to use the power of the bike to help change Scotland for the better. We want the event to catalyse behavioural change and deliver positive impacts for people and communities across the country.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships this summer will encourage people of all ages and stages, new and existing cyclists alike, to get on their bikes, whether for exercise, sport, transport or recreation. Together, we can use the power of the bike to help build a fairer, healthier and more active Scotland.”

RT HON HUMZA YOUSAF MSP

First Minister of Scotland

“Together, we can use the power of the bike to help build a fairer, healthier and more active Scotland”

“I am delighted that Scotland is hosting the first ever UCI Cycling World Championships – the biggest cycling event ever. Scotland’s iconic landscapes and destinations are perfect for cycling, and hosting this event gives us an opportunity to show all that’s best about our country, including our people and our culture.

With unrivalled experience working in sensitive locations, we create unique rider experiences that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. We are always mindful of our ecological impact, so our trails leave a lasting impression on riders, not the environment.

Photo by: Ross Bell Location: Tarland Trails

Never before have so many cycling disciplines been united at the same place and at the same time. And it is happening in Glasgow and across Scotland! This inaugural event, featuring 11 days of exceptional, non-stop cycling action, will showcase the beauty and diversity of our sport as the best athletes in the world vie for the rainbow jersey in cycling’s many and varied disciplines.

Bringing together 13 UCI World Championships, including those for our five Olympic disciplines, in a single event, is an achievement like no other. It has been possible thanks to the commitment, dedication and hard work of our different stakeholders, all motivated by a passion and desire to see cycling break new boundaries.

Our hosts in Glasgow and across Scotland have undertaken an enormous challenge to welcome the first edition of this new event, which will be repeated every four years, the year before the Summer Olympic Games.

We have all been working closely to ensure that each and every one of these UCI World Championships will live up to the expectations of our National Federations, their athletes and cycling fans.

This combined, multi-discipline event was one of my visions when I was first elected UCI President in 2017. I am incredibly excited that this vision is now a reality, and that you are a part of it. That’s the power of the bike.”

DAVID LAPPARTIENT UCI President

“Bringing together 13 UCI World Championships, including those for our five Olympic disciplines, in a single event, is an achievement like no other”

“I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, which marks a significant moment in cycling history.

MESSAGE FROM THE UCI PRESIDENT

Find out which 12-speed road groupset best suits your needs.

This is an event like no other: 11 days of exhilarating cycling competition, bringing over 8000 elite and amateur athletes together, to contest 13 World Championships in the same country at the same time. A country of spectacular mountains, extinct volcanoes and the world-renowned warmth of its people, Scotland is the perfect stage for this magnificent event.

The action-packed schedule will be set against the backdrop of some of our most iconic cities and locations, from metropolitan Glasgow to the Highland splendour of Fort William.

The global audience will go on a breathtaking tour, viewing landmarks rich with our history and heritage: the Wallace Monument in Stirling, the majestic Edinburgh Castle, to jawdropping landscapes like Nevis Range, the Scottish Borders, and the tranquillity of Loch Lomond.

11 days of exhilarating competition

Throughout the celebration, we will showcase how the humble bike can bring freedom and joy to people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities; its role in saving the planet; and how we can inspire more people, in Scotland and across the globe, to make cycling an everyday part of their lives.

PAUL BUSH OBE

The Chair of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and Director of EventScotland celebrates the arrival of this very special event to our beautiful country

Over the past decade, Scotland has earned a stellar reputation for hosting major events, including the 2014 Ryder Cup, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2015 World Gymnastics Championships, 2018 Multi-Sport European Championships, and UEFA EURO 2020.

And, as we add the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to this list, I would like to thank the UCI for entrusting us to deliver this unique Championships, and setting a blueprint for the future of the sport.

Scotland is ready – enjoy!”

“A country of spectacular mountains, extinct volcanoes and the world-renowned warmth of its people, Scotland is the perfect stage for this magnificent event“

Cycling World Championships…

In the first event of its kind – never seen nor cycled before – the world’s greatest riders are coming together to compete at the highest level, make history and show the world the power of the bike. From 3–13 August 2023, these awesome athletes are competing in the ultimate tests of talent, tenacity and toughness where, for the first time ever, track and para-cycling track have been integrated into one event.

THE BIGGEST CYCLING EVENT EVER!

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for cycling, was founded on 14 April 1900 in Paris, France. Since then, thousands of UCI events have taken place across the globe, but the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland is a true world first. This is the inaugural edition, and will be followed by subsequent events every four years, in the year preceding the Summer Olympic Games.

DAYS OF ACTION

All you need to know about the 2023 UCI

IMAGES: SWPIX

UCI CYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

PARTICIPANTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

DISCIPLINES

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

This magnificent event represents a true innovation for cycling, thanks to the vision of UCI President David Lappartient, who began working towards this goal as soon as he was elected to the head of the Federation in 2017.

Upholding the values of unity, sharing and openness, the unprecedented event enables elite cyclists and para-cyclists, amateur riders, cycling enthusiasts and fans to be part of an unforgettable celebration of the bike, and all it stands for.

THE LOCAL HERO

Famed Scottish cyclist Sir Chris Hoy is one of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships’ official ambassadors. The 11-time UCI World Champion and six-time Olympic gold medallist said:

“It is an honour to become an ambassador for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and I’m proud that such an historic event will be held for the very first time in Glasgow and across my home country of Scotland. Not only will it be the biggest cycling event ever seen, it is a unique opportunity to unite the global cycling family and to showcase the incredible breadth of our sport.”

THE RAINBOW JERSEY

An iconic part of every UCI World Championship, the history of the famous rainbow jersey stretches back to 1927, when winners first began to be presented with them along with their medals. The five-colour ‘rainbow’ design was inspired by the Olympic Rings which represent the five continents. They appear in a set order from top to bottom: blue, red, black, yellow and green. The jersey also makes the UCI World Champion easier to spot for spectators!

Previous winners can wear the rainbow piping on the collar and cuffs of their jersey for the remainder of their career, too.

“I’m proud that such an historic event will be held for the very first time in Glasgow and across my home country of Scotland … it is a unique opportunity to unite the global cycling family and to showcase the incredible breadth of our sport”

RIGHT Sir Chris Hoy on the podium at the 2008 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Manchester, sporting his gold medal and rainbow jersey

– Sir Chris Hoy

IMAGE: ALAMY

THE TIMEKEEPER

As the exclusive Official Timekeeper of the UCI for the totality of its events and disciplines, luxury Swiss watchmaker Tissot first got involved with the UCI in 1995, later becoming the first UCI World Cycling Partner in 2017. In recognition of all their hard work, our UCI World Champions will each be given a quality Tissot watch - a beautiful reminder of that ‘time’ they beat the competition!

THE CHAMPS COO

One of the oldest cattle breeds in the world, Highland Coos can be found across Scotland. They are hardy and docile, a true icon that encapsulates the Scottish spirit. Our hairy, cuddly Champs Coo combines something uniquely Scottish with the iconic UCI rainbow stripes. Medal winners at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be gifted a special edition medal-wearing Champs Coo to celebrate their success here in Scotland. And of course they will also be available for fans and spectators in our Official Championships Merchandise Stores, and the Official Online Store.

We, at the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds, all feel incredibly privileged to be part of the team that has been charged with the creation and delivery of the first ever UCI Cycling World Championships. Bringing together 13 UCI World Championships into one mega-event, we have been working hard to create an incredible experience for athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators here in Scotland. This, however, is more than just an event –we are passionate about how cycling can transform lives and be a catalyst for change.

Bringing elite and amateur cycling together in Scotland can inspire, celebrate and generate wider benefits that will get more people cycling and will have a positive impact in areas such as tackling pollution, supporting mental and physical health, and creating more vibrant and people-friendly towns and cities.

We hope you have a truly unforgettable experience at the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships, and that watching the world’s greatest cyclists will inspire you to get in the saddle to experience the Power of the Bike too.

Trudy Lindblade Chief Executive Officer 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

“ This is more than just an event – we are passionate about how cycling can change lives and be a catalyst for change”

COMPETITION SCHEDULE WHERE AND WHEN?

Glasgow and Scotland host the biggest cycling event EVER. 13 UCI World Championships. 11 days. 1 mega event. Find out where you need to be to witness all the action

CLLR SUSAN AITKEN

The Leader of Glasgow City Council on playing host to the best athletes, and fans, in the world

“Glasgow is ready to feel the Power of The Bike”

With the first ever combined UCI World Championships underway – our city stands at the centre of the biggest cycling event in the world.

For athletes, there will be chances to seize immortality and to write their names into the history books as competitors, jersey-winners and record-breakers. For fans, another opportunity to

enjoy a wonderful summer of sport and culture at inspiring venues. And, for Glasgow, an opportunity to change a great city for the better.

Already a UCI Bike City and European Capital of Sport,

the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships can help us find another gear in our push to become a healthier, more active and betterconnected community.

With BMX Racing, BMX Freestyle Park, BMX Freestyle Flatland, Road, Track, Indoor Cycling and Trial events all taking place within the city boundary, Glasgow is able to bring together the best of an incredibly diverse selection of cycling disciplines like never before.

And whether you are reading this perched on the edge of your seat by the velodrome or waiting on the peloton in the heart of the city centre, you and everyone around you have an important role to play in these Championships.

Glasgow knows a thing or two about sport – but, perhaps, even more about providing amazing support. So, whether you live here, or are just on loan to us for a few days, I know you will be ready to help create a special atmosphere. Enjoy yourself – and make sure they hear you!

“Whether you are reading this perched on the edge of your seat by the velodrome or waiting on the peloton in the heart of the city centre, you and everyone around you have an important role to play in these Championships”

BMX FREESTYLE FLATLAND

Imagine breakdancing … on a bike

Best described as breakdancing on bikes, riders perform dizzying routines of skill and creativity, competing in 2-3 minute rounds to show the very best of their athletic and artistic ability.

Riders have nothing but their bike and the blank canvas of a smooth surface to style and spin their way to a mesmerising medal-worthy routine that you have to see to believe.

Attempting and nailing a variety of tricks in a natural flow is everything for a high scoring Flatland round. As well as raw talent and pure creativity, judges are looking for consistency when it comes to balance, stability and control of both body and bike.

Expect bikes at impossible angles, superhuman skills that defy reality, and riders in spin cycles… literally. With the speed the tricks are attempted at, it’s easy for the riders to get dizzy. But maximum points require minimum floor touches.

Flatland is a totally unique event, more rap battle than road race, where the crowd gets just as hyped as the competitors. Only one surface may be flat, but the atmosphere is anything but!

RIDER TO WATCH Kio Hayakawa (JPN)

Born and raised in Nagaoka City, the 21-year-old rising star made his debut on the global stage in 2022 and has quickly become renowned for his unique tricks, dubbed ‘Hayakawa Originals’. Instagram @kio_hayakawa

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TOP TRICKS

From half cab to can can, decades to disconnects, tailwhips to time machines, the names of the tricks are almost as inventive as the tricks themselves.

EAT IT

The first Flatland bunnyhop tailwhip was landed in a popular burger chain car park by BMX legend Bill Nitschke, so was named a ‘Whopper’!

THE BIKE

Traditionally the wheelbase of a BMX Freestyle Flatland bike is shorter, to make pedalling and spinning much easier. But some riders often opt for slightly bigger street BMX bikes.

BMX FREESTYLE PARK

Where ordinary cyclists see obstacles, BMX Freestyle Park riders see opportunities. They fly superherohigh off ramps, ride on walls and flip the script of what’s possible on a bike every time they ride.

Each rider has two 60-second rounds to combine as many tricks as possible and wow the judges and the crowd. Judges score each round out of a possible 100 points and the highest total takes gold.

Points are awarded based on tricks - style, technique, variety, originality, degree of difficulty - hang time - the higher the jump, the higher the score… but the scarier the fall! - use of the park - taking unique lines, performing wall rides - and overall flow of the routine.

The smallest details will make the difference on the podium, from how fully riders extend their arms while performing look-mum-no-hands tricks to how sweetly they stick their landings.

Every rider dreams of the perfect run. But to bag 100 points, they have to show the judges something truly spectacular which includes totally new tricks taking the sport to the next level.

RIDER TO WATCH

Kieran Reilly (GBR)

The Newcastle-born BMX Freestyle prodigy has been wowing crowds since he was 11. In 2022, he performed the world’s first ever Triple Flair, flipping over three times in the air. He now holds the title of 2023 UEC European BMX Freestyle Park Champion. Instagram @kieranbmxreilly

No two runs will be the same as riders express their creativity on a skatepark-like course

WHEN

Did you know?

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SPIRIT

The sense of camaraderie in the BMX Freestyle Park community is special. It’s one of the rare sports where you’ll see competitors cheering each other on from the sidelines. But make no mistake - the riders are here to win.

ANYTHING GOES

The only rule is there are no rules … that’s why it’s called Freestyle! Riders are rewarded for creating tricks that judges have never seen before.

THE BIKE

The jumps may be huge, but the bikes are small. BMX bikes come in at a ready-for-takeoff 12kg and the 20-inch wheels are easier to control.

A world leading business school on your doorstep

Welcoming the world’s sporting elite to Glasgow for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

As one of Europe’s top business schools we have had a few successes of our own. We introduced the first one year full time MBA to the UK in 1966 and we continue to introduce innovative business masters programmes, and bespoke executive education, to suit the demands of an evolving world.

Our acclaimed MBA programme can be studied on a full time and part time learning basis, which means you don’t have to give up the day job – or travel far – to realise your ambitions.

To set the wheels in motion visit www.strath.ac.uk/business

GLASGOW GREEN

The word ‘Glasgow’ means ‘Dear Green Place’ in Gaelic - and there’s nowhere more dear or more green in the city than this historic park in the East End

NEED TO KNOW

The city’s oldest and arguably most loved green space is no stranger to bikes, being part of National Cycle Route 75 (connecting Argyll to Edinburgh). There’s so much to see in the park, including the 143ft tall Nelson’s Monument, St Andrew’s Suspension Bridge, McLennan Arch, plus monuments and fountains galore.

But it’s never seen anything like it’s about to – as the world’s best riders gather to compete in the BMX Freestyle Park, BMX Freestyle Flatland and Trials Championships at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Nelson’s Monument towers over the park at 143FT

Covers an area of

55HECTARES

BMX RACING

Toughness and top speeds will be tested as riders clash in sprint races made for the fearless

The goal of BMX Racing is simple: cross the finish line first. But that’s easier said than done with eight riders and a complex course of high-speed curves, big bumps and giant jumps.

The single lap 400m course at the Glasgow BMX Centre has been built to test the top speeds and track skills of the world’s best BMX Racers.

Four riders make it to the next phase:

• In Round 1, the top four finishers progress to Qualifying

• The non-qualified riders get a second chance through the Last Chance Qualifer (LCQ).

• From each heat, the top two finishers transfer to Qualifying.

• In Qualifying, the top four riders from each Quarter Final heat progress to the Semi Final. The top four finishes from the Semi Final go to the Final.

Races happen in 30-40-second sprints of acceleration, adrenaline, close calls and collisions. The start ramp is 8m high. That first drop is how riders reach speeds of between 50 to 60kmph as they reach the bottom of the start ramp.

Riders have to be bold to win gold. It’s edge-of-your-saddle stuff that’ll captivate crowds from start to finish.

RIDER TO WATCH Mariana Pajón (COL)

Known as ‘The Queen of BMX’, all eyes will be on the Colombian racer as she seeks to add to her string of 18 UCI World Ttitles which began at the age of 9 when she competed in Challenge Class. Now 31, and a triple Olympic medallist, Mariana also holds a Guinness World Record. Instagram @marianapajon

WHERE Glasgow BMX Centre, Glasgow G13 3LS

6 - 9 August: Challenge Event

12 August: All categories (Qualifiers) Junior, Under 23 and Elite (Last 32)

13 August: Junior, Under 23 and Elite Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Finals

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RACING ROOTS

The origins of BMX Racing go back to the 1950s in the Netherlands. But BMX Racing as we know it today was invented in Los Angeles in 1969.

YOUNG THINGS

BMX racing was hugely popular with kids who couldn’t legally ride motorcycles, but still wanted to race. The first iteration of the sport emulated motorcycle racing. That’s also where the name comes from: BMX stands for bicycle motocross.

THE BIKE

The original of the three types of BMX Racing bike, the racing bike usually has 20-inch wheels, narrow tyres, upright handlebars with crossbars, small saddles, long cranks and rear hand brakes. The frames are light and sturdy – the lighter they are, the faster they go!

UCI BMX RACING WORLD CHALLENGE

The UCI BMX Racing World Challenge showcases talent and provides a nail-biting finish across the line. This event has multiple age group categories, with both women and men riders as young as 8, up to Masters, with the senior categories racing in womens over 25, and mens over 35 categories.

Also on show are the Cruiser categories for riders of bicycles with 24-inch wheels. Many of the Cruiser riders will also compete in the standard categories,

where the bicycles have a 20-inch wheel, meaning these riders will race over 2 days and compete in up to 14 races while at the Glasgow BMX Racing Centre in Knightswood.

Riders from around the world have qualified to compete in this adrenaline filled UCI BMX Racing World Challenge, fierce competition will be taking place over the same course as the UCI BMX Racing World Championships.

Mapei has always been close to the world of sport: a passion that started and continues with cycling and other sports. Mapei supplies products for building projects and sports arenas all around the world, guaranteeing reliability, safety and long-lasting durability.

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GLASGOW BMX CENTRE

VENUES

Expect dramatic ups and downs as the world’s best BMX Racing riders take on the seriously tough track at Glasgow BMX Centre, one of only two UCI-standard BMX Racing venues in the UK

NEED TO KNOW

400M 5M ONE

At 400m long, every inch of track will be fought for as the riders race, jump and wrestle their bikes from the start gate to the finish line in front of a capacity crowd.

Having already hosted the 2018 European Championships and two rounds of the 2022 UCI BMX Racing World Cup, Glasgow BMX Centre promises an electrifying 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

GRAN FONDO

A road race for everyone who wants to take part

Gran Fondo – which translates as Big Race – is a long-distance mass participation event celebrating competitive cycling for everyone, not just the professionals.

The top 25% of riders from 30 qualifying events held around the world have been invited to compete in Scotland for the Championships.

Yes, Gran Fondo is about inclusion and community, but make no mistake: between the start and finish line, it’s seriously competitive. The stakes will be high, the battles will be intense, and the times will be quick.

In both Time Trials and Road Races, riders of varying ages and abilities take on a beautiful but challenging course. The seriously fast cyclists will be competing for medals, while everyone else is hoping to put in their personal best performance

Traditionally, a huge feast takes place at the finish line at these events. With Scottish hospitality being what it is, there’ll no doubt be a big party after the big race.

Did you know?

Impress

SIZE MATTERS

Gran Fondos are usually raced on courses between 120–200km, with climbs of 2000–4000m. Most events also feature a shorter and less physically demanding course, known as the Medio Fondo.

VIVA IT

The first Gran Fondo took place in Italy in 1970. With the introduction of chip time technology in the ’90s, Gran Fondos boomed in popularity around the world.

THE BIKE

From aero bikes to

RIDE ROAD

& SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP

For thousands of dedicated road cycling products available online, visit Freewheel. Freewheel is a cycling website representing a nationwide network of independent bike shops, giving you access to all the latest kit from the biggest brands in cycling. Simply choose to Click & Collect or get it delivered straight to your door. Either way every purchase benefits a local bike shop! It really is your local bike shop online. Freewheel.co.uk

As well as celebrating inclusion and community, the Gran Fondo showcases some cracking views. Here are five unmissable spots from across the iconic cycling routes.

5 GRAND VIEWS

ON THE GRAN FONDO

LOCH NA CREIGE

On the climb before Aberfeldy, you’ll find a picturesque spot known as Loch na Creige. Overlooked by the peaks of Monadh nam Mial and Craig Formal, this quiet loch is a hit among locals and visitors alike for fishing, paddle-boarding, wild swimming and walking routes.

2 3

PITLOCHRY

Situated at the midpoint of the Gran Fondo, Pitlochry town centre is always worth a visit. Victorian architecture, historic distilleries and an array of unusual shops attract visitors to Highland Perthshire’s largest town. The icing on the proverbial cake is Pitlochry’s wide range of buzzing cafes and restaurants, where delicious local dishes, bags of character and incredible live music will leave you eager to plan your next trip.

4

BLAIRGOWRIE AND RATTRAY

BRAES OF FOSS

Its name comes from the Gaelic words meaning ‘fairy hill of the Caledonians’ – so you know Braes of Foss promises magic. Small but mighty, this unassuming forest just after Glengoulandie is the starting point for the most popular route up Schiehallion, one of the famous Munros. Offering a window into Scotland’s ethereal wilderness, you can reach the top in under an hour from the Tomphubil Lime-Kiln reference point on the Gran Fondo route, making it a great alternative to a full Munro climb.

5 PERTH

Home to the Gran Fondo’s Road Race final, there’s lots to do here while riders make their way around the course. Whether it’s a visit to Scone Palace, a wander around the Black Watch Castle and Museum or solving clues along the Treasure Hunt Trail, Scotland’s former capital is awash with exciting things to do while you await the race’s victorious finishers.

INDOOR CYCLING

Prepare to be wowed by the audacious acrobatics of Artistic Cycling and the bicycle kicks of Cycle-ball

ARTISTIC CYCLING

Riders perform handstands on handlebars and ride their saddles like surfboards in spectacular feats of bravery, balletic balance and physical strength.

The rules are similar to gymnastics. Riders – solo, in pairs, or teams of four – have 5 minutes to string together a series of tricks set to the music of their choosing. A panel of judges scores each routine based on the variety of tricks (or ‘exercises’, as the judges call them), degree of difficulty and execution. Points are lost for incomplete attempts, mistakes, feet touching the floor and falls. The rider (or team) with the highest score wins.

CYCLE-BALL

In the beautiful game on bikes, riders must use their wheels to control, pass and strike the ball – no feet allowed. Played at pace with tackles flying in fast and incredible skills on show, the riders take bicycle kicks to a whole other level.

Tenacity and technique will be put to the test in two-aside 14-minute matches on a small rectangular court where the most goals wins. Possession is key, and the most skilled riders keep the ball glued to their wheels to avoid losing it to a well-timed tackle. Expect spectacular saves and two-wheeled worldies from the first whistle to the last.

RIDER TO WATCH RAMONA DANDL (GER)

With a silver medal already under her belt, the German artistic cyclist is aiming for gold at the Champs. Her superstar skills showcase feats of bravery and balance as she returns to wow this year’s audience.

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WHERE IT BEGAN

Artistic Cycling was invented by circus artists in 1888 as a new way to show their acrobatic skills. Cycle-ball was first played in 1893.

CATCH THIS

The ball is approx 17cm in diameter, weighs approximately 550 grams and is traditionally filled with horsehair!

THE BIKE

Known widely as ‘fixies’, fixed-gear bikes are the bike of choice for both Cycle-ball and Artistic Cycling. With no gears or brakes, they allow riders to go forwards, backwards, any which way they choose.

THIS SUMMER

:2023

DISCOVER INVERCLYDE COM

EMIRATES ARENA

The floor belongs to Indoor Cycling at the iconic Emirates Arena, which hosts both Artistic Cycling and Cycle-ball

NEED TO KNOW

Originally built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the arena is a major part of the East End of Glasgow’s regeneration plan. With capacity for up to 7000 spectators, it has welcomed major international events like the 2017 BWF World Championships of Badminton, the 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships and 2022 Davis Cup.

The Emirates Arena also serves the local community with one of the biggest gyms in Glasgow, where members can work out overlooking another of our impressive venues: the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

7,000

2014

Capacity of up to Built for the Commonwealth Games

MOUNTAIN BIKE

There will be mud as riders battle their way through Scotland’s toughest terrain in a series of Cross-country races

After a massive crowd of riders pours off the start line, rough terrain, steep slopes and mud-based mayhem is the order of the day as they jostle for position, biding their time to attack in sprint finishes separating the wannabes from the winners.

CROSS-COUNTRY OLYMPIC (XCO)

After the elbow-to-elbow start line sorts the strongest riders from the rest, the riders race to complete a set number of laps. Races last for over an hour, so endurance, stamina and mental fortitude are required.

CROSS-COUNTRY SHORT TRACK (XCC)

The 1–1.5km laps of XCC make for fast, furious races. Riders have to strike the balance between skill and speed, testing the limits of their legs for an intense 20 minutes.

CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM RELAY (XCR)

Teams of six riders from different categories navigate the same course, one after the other, in a bid to win one of the team medals up for grabs. Strategy matters just as much as speed.

E-MOUNTAIN BIKE CROSS-COUNTRY (E-MTB)

These riders race a similar course to the XCO, but with one big difference: they will be on part battery-powered bikes. With that in mind, there will be some additional technical sections making use of this extra pedal-assisted juice.

CROSS-

course at Glentress help take this local lass to the podium? Instagram @isla_short

WHERE

WHEN 8–12 August

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ORIGIN STORY

Modern mountain biking started in the USA and originally entailed converting old heavy frame Schwinn Cruisers from the 1930s and ’40s into downhill racers.

ON THE SURFACE

Paved sections can’t exceed more than 15% of the course. There’s no limit on how much mud there is.

THE BIKE

Riders want their bike to to be as light as possible in order to achieve the greatest speed.

Borderlands is where Scotland and England meet - a vast and beautiful rural landscape covering Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria, Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a partnership representing five councils with funding from the UK and Scottish Governments. Since 2021 we have been delivering projects and programmes to improve the area for visitors, businesses and residents.

www.borderlandsgrowth.com

Destination Borderlands

Mountain Bike Project

Renovating the listed Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen to create an Innovation Centre

A space to develop new products and services.

Investing in Destination Tweed to improve cycling and walking visitor routes along the river.

Hadrian’s Wall Exploration

Improving the world class mountain biking centres that span the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. Developing trails, activities and facilities to attract new visitors.

See More Lake District Cycling

Extending and better connecting the cycling network and walking routes in the National Park. Recognising cycling and walking as a means of travel but also as a visitor activity in their own right.

Unlocking the immense unrealised potential of the World Heritage Site. Providing a more coherent and connected visitor offer for walkers and cyclists along the length of the Wall.

The South of Scotland and North of England is already a world class destination for walking, cycling and wheeling but we want to grow that. By supporting innovation and enabling infrastructure we are helping to realise the region’s potential as a place to visit, to work and to thrive. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is not just regenerating an area: it will leave a lasting legacy for decades to come.

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3 OF THE WORLD’S BEST CROSSCOUNTRY MOUNTAIN BIKERS

NINO SCHURTER (SUI)

The definition of greatness, Nino won ten UCI World Championships between 2009–2022 and overall eight UCI World Cups between 2010–2022. When you add a gold, silver and bronze medal at various Olympics to that astonishing CV, Nino has nothing left to prove. But that won’t stop him.

PAULINE FERRAND PREVOT (FRA)

Having claimed ten world titles across four different disciplines throughout her career, PFP is one of the sport’s most decorated riders. Last year, she won four rainbow jerseys and there are also rumours that the former UCI Road World Champion may return to the road peloton.

EVIE RICHARDS (GBR)

This young British star staked her claim as part of elite MTB royalty in 2021 with a dominant win in the UCI Cross-Country Olympic World Championship in Italy. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind – especially her rivals – that she’ll arrive in form in Glentress.

IMAGES: SWPIX

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A-Z OF EVENTS

MOUNTAIN BIKE

CROSS-COUNTRY MARATHON

Riders have to fight through 100km of tough terrain in the ultimate test of endurance

Riders will be pushed to test their limits as they chew through 100km of road, gravel, punishing climbs and long descents. Only the strongest legs, lungs and minds will make it to the finish, where cycling immortality is the reward for answering the demands of this impossible distance.

Mountain Bike Marathon is unique for many reasons, but the mass start – where elite riders go first followed by anyone brave enough – makes it special. Elite or amateur, the distance brings a mountain of challenges... literally. Riders have to be exceptionally fit to traverse all kinds of terrain, from speedy flats to slow climbs and everything in between. But physical prowess will only get them so far; they have to dig deep as every metre of the course tests their mental toughness.

RIDER TO WATCH Henrique

Avancini (BRA)

One of the few mountain bikers capable of victory in everything from Short Track to Cross-country Marathon, the Brazilian took the UCI World Title for XCM in 2018 and ranked number 1 the following year. Having parted ways with his old team last year, he is back with fresh motivation and something to prove… Instagram @avanvcinimtb

WHERE Tweed Valley, Glentress Forest, Peebles EH45 8NB

WHEN 6 August

TWEED VALLEY

VENUES

With over 80km of purpose-made trails, Glentress Forest is one of Scotland’s original trail centres and the most visited tourist attraction in the Scottish Borders

NEED TO KNOW

80KM of purpose-made trails

The first trails here were created some 20 years ago, and have long been known to the mountain biking community as some of the finest in the world. However, this is the first major international competition to be hosted here. The variety of technical terrain will challenge even the most seasoned MTB Marathon and Cross-country riders. New legends will fight their way up leg-burning climbs through dense fir wood forests, eventually giving way to breathtaking views of the Tweed Valley before swooping switchback descents with jumps, tabletops and steep, fast corners.

GETTING THERE

Ayr 1 hour 55 minutes

Dundee 1 hour 45 minutes

Glasgow 1 hour 30 minutes

Edinburgh 1 hour

Stirling 1 hour 15 minutes

Borders Bus runs an X62 service from Edinburgh city centre to Peebles. The journey takes around 1 hour.

A-Z OF EVENTS

MOUNTAIN BIKE DOWNHILL

Heart rates go up as bikes fly down mountainsides in these white-knuckle descents

Riders take on jumps, bumps, berms and rock gardens against the clock at white-knuckle speeds of up to 80km/h. The most fearless will bomb their runs. Others will bail. Only the fastest will win the rainbow jersey.

Riders need to be strong, fit and fearless just to make it through the qualifying rounds. For the finals, the drama keeps rising as they make their way down in reverse order of qualifying speed, where fractions of a second determine their fates.

You definitely don’t want to miss the finish, where a huge crowd waits to welcome each and every rider who masters the mountain.

RIDER TO WATCH Greg Minnaar (RSA)

Downhill mountain biking’s most decorated rider suffered a serious crash at the 2022 UCI World Cup in Val di Sole, Italy, leaving him with three fractured vertebrae. After months in recovery, he’s back in the saddle and ready to ride.

Instagram @gregminnaar

WHEN

Did you know?

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START IT UP

The first ever Downhill race took place in California in 1976. Since then, the sport has boomed in popularity as one of the most thrilling bike events there is.

WILD & FREE

Back in the 1970s, mountain bike races were all freewheeling down mountain dirt roads.

THE BIKE

Downhill bikes are basically motocross bikes without engines. Heavier than other mountain bikes, with bigger wheels and full suspension to deal with gnarly terrain, riders have to be super strong to control them.

WHERE Nevis Range Mountain Resort,

FORT WILLIAM

VENUES

There are hills. There are Munros. Then there’s Nevis Range. The epic mountain resort in Fort William stands extremely tall with one of the most legendary downhill runs

NEED TO KNOW

655M 55KM/H 195BPM

The course was first created in 2002 by a grassroots group of enthusiasts and since then has hosted an annual UCI Downhill World Cup. Thanks to its storied history, no downhill career is complete without a win at Fort William.

Nothing comes easy on this course, one of the longest on the circuit. It’s notorious for deep holes, big drops, mud and a punishing sprint finish. A course that’s as technically challenging as it is terrifying, only the courageous have any hope of conquering it. You’ll also have to be brave enough to soar into the sky on a gondola if you want to reach the necessary 2150ft altitude to witness all the downhill drama.

GETTING THERE

From:

Glasgow 2 hours 26 minutes

Stirling 2 hours 30 minutes

Dundee 2 hours 45 minutes

Edinburgh 3 hours 20 minutes

Four ScotRail services per day run from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William with a journey time of around 3 hours 50 minutes. Rail services also run from Edinburgh Waverley to Fort William (with a change at Glasgow Queen Street) and take around 4 hours 50 minutes.

Riders can hit Spectators ascend to One rider’s heart raced to on the downhill dash to view all the action on a qualifying run

From Greg Minnaar’s recordbreaking win to Rachel and Gee Atherton’s double home victory, here are five iconic moments from the dizzy heights of Nevis Range 5

ICONIC DOWNHILL AT FORT WILLIAM MOMENTS

2

ATHERTON FAMILY DOUBLE VICTORY

There really is nothing quite like a home victory at Fort William.

1

GREG MINNAAR MAKES IT SEVEN

Holding a Fort William Downhill career card that was first stamped in 2004, Greg Minnaar is a superstar at Nevis Range.

In 2007, the South African solidified his legend status in Fort William with a record seventh victory on the downhill track. It was a typical Minnaar downhill run - dogged, thrilling, and full of strength and power.

In 2013, the crowd got treated to not one, but two when the Atherton siblings claimed a stunning family double. Rachel Atherton, who is dubbed ‘The Queen of Downhill’, had settled for two 2nd place finishes in 2011 and 2012.

Then in 2013, she managed to finally take the victory in front of a jubilant crowd at Nevis Range. The day only got better when Rachel’s brother Gee claimed victory in the Men Elite Final.

Photos by: VisitScotland/Luigi Di Pasquale, Digital Tourism Scotland/Matt Davis & www.visitinvernesslochness.com

RUARIDH CUNNINGHAM CONQUERS THE MOUNTAIN

This won’t be the first time the rainbow jerseys will be handed out at Fort William.

In 2007, Nevis Range welcomed the world for the UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships. Australia’s Sam Hill and France’s Sabrina Jonnier were the fastest down the mountain that year, leaving Fort William with the rainbow bands for the second time in their careers.

However, the highlight for the Nevis Range crowd was when Scotsman Ruaridh Cunningham took a stunning Mens Junior UCI World Championship win. The home crowd went ballistic as the young rider gave the Junior field a lesson on how to handle the magnificent mountain.

IMAGES: DOUGLAS COOK; DOWNHILL911; SWPIX

STEVE SMITH’S GHOST RUN

In 2016, the downhill world lost a beloved rider, Steve Smith. Nicknamed ‘Canadian Chainsaw’, Smith was a big personality on the UCI MTB World Cup circuit, and picked up the overall victory in 2013.

Popular with fans in Fort William, a call went out from the community to honour the rider with a ‘ghost - lap’ down Nevis Range. After the UCI and Red Bull got behind the project, on 5 July 2016, the crowd at Nevis Range fell silent as the cameras tracked an invisible Smith making his way down the mountain.

4 TAKE 5

When the cameras neared the bottom, the crowd erupted. It proved to be a memorable and fitting tribute to an incredible rider.

TRACY MOSELEY BECOMES FORT WILLIAM’S FIRST UK WINNER

The 2002 UCI MTB World Cup was the very first to take place at Fort William, bringing with it a festival atmosphere, and big expectations for multiple British National Champion Tracy Moseley.

3 5 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships 63

PARA-CYCLING ROAD

New legends will be made as para-athletes take on Scotland’s roads

This is where the rubber meets the road for the world’s fastest paracyclists. Every mile matters in ruthless contests of speed, stamina and guts. Smart racing will win the day as riders battle for every tactical advantage that will take them to gold medal glory.

ROAD RACE

Riders compete against each other in an all-out battle for supremacy. In the peloton, you’ll see riders ‘drafting’, which means following the lead rider for an aerodynamic advantage. Mental toughness is mandatory as it’s every rider for themselves.

INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL

Competitors set off one-by-one at regular intervals of 1–2 minutes. There’s nowhere to hide, no slipstreams to conserve energy in, and nobody in front of you to beat – just you against the clock. Aerodynamics are everything, so you’ll see futuristic bikes, helmets and skinsuits. With sheer speed being top priority, riders have to push the limit of safe racing lines as the twists, turns and tight corners could end a potentially medal-winning run at any moment.

TEAM RELAY

The Team Relay sees teams of three handcyclists race a road circuit, one at a time. Coordination and communication are key as quick relay changes are essential to a medal finish.

WHERE Road Race & Time Trials: Dumfries & Galloway

Team Relay: Glasgow

WHEN 9–13 August

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SAME SAME!

Para-cyclists ride the exact same events under the same rules as their nondisabled counterparts. The Para-cycling classification system determines which Paracyclists are eligible to compete in different categories depending on the impairment.

GREAT SCOT

The fastest handcyclist on earth is Scotsman Ken Talbot who set the current speed World Record for a handcyclist at 51.85mph over a five-mile course.

THE BIKE

In the Para-cycling Road, riders cycle one of four different styles of bikes – a traditional road bike with adaptions, tandem, handcycle and tricycle. The style of bike they ride depends on the impairment.

Dumfries and Galloway has a proud history of cycling.

Humble blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan crafted the world’s first bike right here in the region in 1839. Had it not been for Macmillan’s ingenuity, we may not even have a cycle as we know it today, let alone these 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Our corner of south west Scotland has always punched above its weight in cycling circles. We’ve hosted world-class cycling events, with the Tour of Britain, the British Championships and most recently “The Gralloch” taking place on a gravel-based track in our wonderful Galloway Forest

When you add into the mix our “7Stanes” mountain biking attractions, our fantastic coastline cycle routes

(google “Kirkpatrick C2C”, yes, named after the same guy) and our miles of active travel cycle paths across our region, it’s clear to see why we love cycling and cycling loves us.

We’re proud to play host to the UCI ParaCycling Road World Championships from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 August. The first 2 days of action will see time trials take place across three different routes. With the iconic Whitesands as the start and end point, athletes will face undulating roads and daring downhill stretches as they wheel through some of our gorgeous villages and hamlets on the edges of Dumfries.

Days three and four will see riders take on the road races. Starting and finishing in the picturesque Crichton Estate on the outskirts of Dumfries town centre, athletes will head out to Glencaple, before looping

“We’re proud to play host to the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 August.”

Crichton Memorial Church

back towards the town and finishing in the shadows of the historic Crichton Memorial Church

If you’ve never been to Dumfries and Galloway, then do something about that. And not just for the World Championships. Come and stay any time in our many hotels, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes, caravan sites and camping sites. Visit our attractive coastline, eat in some of the most hidden of hidden gems and try a dram or a pint in one of our many local breweries or distilleries. Walk our hills; discover where Scotland’s bard, Robert Burns, lived and wrote some of his most famous works; and spend time in our many independent shops.

We’re not only a great place to visit, we’re the natural place to live, work and invest, too. Our stunning scenery, 97 primary schools

and access to superfast broadband are all big draws. But our excellent transport links to the central belt and northern England as well as Northern Ireland makes Dumfries and Galloway the perfect place to travel to and from as well; and that’s whether you use car, train, ferry or, like Macmillan himself –the bicycle.

From the Solway Firth in the east to Stranraer and the Mull of Galloway in the west (did we mention we’re the third largest council area in Scotland?), our region offers beauty, opportunity and entertainment at every turn. We look forward to letting the world catch a glimpse of our natural place as we host the Para-Cycling road element of these amazing 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds.

Find out more at dumgal.gov.uk/paracyclingworldchamps and scotlandstartshere.com

Mull of Galloway

“We’re not only a great place to visit, we’re the natural place to live, work and invest, too.”

Robert Burns

A-Z OF EVENTS

ROAD

Riders give everything they’ve got as they tear up the road at high speeds

The rules of the road are simple: fastest wins. But a winning time comes down to more than just raw RPM. Pace setting, strategically timed attacks and gutsy breakaways will separate the race leaders from the pack on the high-speed hills, thrills and spills of Scotland’s most challenging roads.

ROAD RACE

The Road Race is a mass start event, the first person across the line is declared the winner, and riders take part in national teams with the number of riders each nation has is determined by the number of points that the country has amassed in the official UCI rankings. The distance for each road race varies with the shortest distance being 70 km on the Glasgow Circuit and the longest being an eyewatering 271.1km from Edinburgh to Glasgow

Most of the 2023 road races involve laps of Glasgow Circuit a 14.3km loop at the end of the course

The majority will ride in the bunch or peloton, expect to see a number of riders go for an early breakaway in the hope of evading the peloton and securing an incredible victory. More often than not though, the breakaway is caught before the finish as each nation’s star riders are thrust into contention as they go wheel to wheel for that prestigious rainbow jersey.

INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL

Introduced to the UCI Road World Championships in 1994, Individual Time Trials are one of the most demanding and dramatic races in the Championships. In this discipline cyclist don’t ride in a bunch but alone against the clock. As competitors are set off at regular intervals meaning spectators are treated to nonstop action right along the course. The rider who logs the fastest time over the course is declared the winner. Every second counts and as aerodynamics plays such an important role, riders compete on specially designed bikes

and kit that appear almost futuristic. Whilst the course is usually much shorter than a road race, a time trial is one of the most demanding disciplines in cycling. To put themselves in contention, riders must measure their efforts carefully to ensure they ride as close to their physical limit as possible for the duration, without going to far into the red zone and scuppering their chances for good. The Individual Time Trials at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will finish in the iconic Stirling Castle.

TEAM TIME TRIAL MIXED RELAY

The Team Trial Mixed Relay sees national teams of six - three female riders and three male riders all working together in a team. Unlike in an individual time trial where athletes are not permitted to ride behind one another, in the Team Time Trial Mixed Relay riders are allowed to employ this as one of the main tactics. The male riders wills et off first for one lap of the 20.15km Glasgow circuit completing it as fast as they can, the women will replace them on the road as soon as the second male rider has crossed the finish line, and also complete a 20.15km lap of the circuit. Final timings will then be taken when the second female rider crosses the finish line and the fastest team will be declared the winner.

RIDER TO WATCH Annemiek van Vleuten (NLD)

A two-time winner of both the 2019 and 2022 Road Race and the 2017 and 2018 Individual Time Trial at the UCI Road World Championships, the Dutch road racing pro has a slew of victories to her Palmarès, and has been awarded Dutch women’s cyclist of the year three times. Due to retire at the end of the 2023 season, all eyes will be on her as she hits the Championships one final time. Instagram @annemiekvanvleuten

WHERE Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Edinburgh - turn to page 150 for route maps

WHEN 5–6, 8–13 August

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EARLY START

Road racing has featured at every Olympic Games since its first edition in 1896.

FAST FIRST

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TO WATCH THE ROAD RACES OF THE BEST PLACES

4 1

ROYAL MILE

MONTROSE STREET

It’s the place to be for the final countdown as riders pedal furiously to complete the last laps of Montrose Street in Glasgow city centre, before racing towards George Square glory. The heat – and the sweat – will be on as cyclists navigate this uphill road in the last determined push towards the finish line.

GEORGE SQUARE

LOCH LOMOND

Get a great view of the riders as they set off in this true paradise for wanderers, hikers and bikers, There’s endless opportunities for exploration and adventure on the munros, the lochs, or on two wheels. As the starting point for the Men Under 23 and Women Elite road races in 2023, you’ll be able to catch some of the world’s best riders as they set off for glory, and the finish line, in Glasgow.

2

CROW ROAD

A prime vantage point for the Men Elite, Men Under 23 and Women Elite Road Races, Crow Road’s location 4.5 miles from the finish line promises an atmosphere of buzzing anticipation as the riders approach the home stretch. Once in Glasgow, you’ll have access to plenty of cafes and restaurants, making it an excellent place to kick back as the race heats up.

5 IMAGES: VISIT SCOTLAND/KENNY LAM

At the heart of the action, the George Square fan zone will host the Road Race finishes and the medal ceremonies. Catch the riders as they chase the much-coveted rainbow jersey through the square and over the finish line. The excitement doesn’t stop there either! Sample food and drink, try different sports, and enjoy music from Celtic Connections, Piping Live and other foot-stomping bands as we round up this exhilarating day.

TOP TIP: While the fan zone has free entry, there’s a maximum capacity, so be quick if you want to secure this prime spectating spot.

Here are the very best spots for spectators to see riders take on the hills, thrills and spills of Scotland’s most challenging roads at high-speed

GEORGE SQUARE

The square itself is at the heart of the city centre, and holds a wealth of history with statues of great Scots like Robert Burns, James Watt and Sir Robert Peel lining the esteemed address. The 80ft-high column in the centre of the square celebrates author Sir Walter Scott.

More heroes will be made here as the square becomes the finish line for 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Road Races – thrilling spectacles sure to attract crowds for miles.

COLUMN

Laid out in Named for King George

NEED TO KNOW 1781 3RD

in honour of Sir Walter Scott

GETTING THERE

From:

Stirling 35 minutes

Dundee 1 hour 30 minutes

Edinburgh 1 hour 10 minutes

Scotrail runs regular services into Glasgow

Queen Street and Glasgow Central stations

Stirling 35 minutes

Dundee 1 hour 45 minutes

Edinburgh 45 minutes

Glasgow’s principal civic square is set against the iconic backdrop of the City Chambers, a magnificent building with style, substance and oodles of marble 80FT

EVENT NAME

PARA-CYCLING TRACK

Six events will test the power, poise, strategy and stamina of the planet’s best para-cyclists.

SPRINT

Riders go one-on-one in duels of power, strategy and sprinting prowess. For tandem riders that make the qualification cut, they’ll earn a place in three lap knockout heats until only the two strongest riders remain. You’ll see riders come to a standstill, goading their opponent to take the lead –where you don’t want to be until the final sprint.

TANDEM TEAM SPRINT

Tandem duos face off against each other in a fast and furious three lap race.

MIXED TEAM SPRINT

The mixed team sprint is also contested over three laps by two teams of three riders. Each team is made up of three riders with varying classifications. The team can be a mix of male and female athletes.

TIME TRIAL (1KM FOR ALL MENS EVENTS AND WOMENS

TANDEM, 500M FOR WOMENS C-CLASS EVENTS)

The rules are simple, but winning this event is anything but. Riders complete a set distance as quickly as they can from a standing start.

RIDER TO WATCH Daphne Schrager (GBR)

INDIVIDUAL PURSUIT

Two riders start on opposite sides of the track. If one catches the other, they win. If nobody catches anyone, the winner is the one with the fastest time based on their class.

SCRATCH

A mass start race for solo riders. Men race for 15km, women for 10km. The first one to cross the line wins.

PARA-OMNIUM

Riders test their versatility across four events on the same day: Flying 200m, 1km/500m, Pursuit and Scratch. The winning rider must obtain the highest total of points awarded for each event.

A former sprinter, the British para-athlete switched to cycling in 2019 and saw instant results, taking her first UCI World Title three years later. Schrager, who has cerebral palsy, is skilled across the track but favours the time trial and individual pursuit. Whichever event it might be for, a gold in Glasgow is just what she needs to bolster her journey to the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Instagram @daphneschrager15

These riders leave nothing on the track as they go all out for victory

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TRACK

New kings and queens of the velodrome will be crowned in intense battles of speed and strategy

Expect a cauldron of noise, tension and kinetic energy as riders reach warp speeds racing for a place in the record books. 11 events will be contested, each of them a unique challenge of power, poise, strategy and stamina.

SPRINT

Riders go one-on-one in duels of pure power and gamesmanship. For riders that make the qualification cut, they’ll earn a place in three lap knockout heats until only the two strongest riders remain.

TEAM SPRINT

A knock-out format until the Quarter Finals when it becomes the best of three races. Teamwork is everything as riders race in teams of three over three laps. Each rider goes all out for a lap before peeling off. When the last rider crosses the finish line, the team has their time.

TIME TRIAL

The rules are simple, but winning this event is anything but. Riders complete a set distance as quick as they can from a standing start – 1km for men, 500m for women.

KEIRIN

Riders follow in the slipstream of a pacing motorbike for 750m which goes faster and faster as the laps fly by. The motorbike, called a ‘derny’, then peels off for the all-out sprint finish.

INDIVIDUAL PURSUIT

Two riders start on opposite sides of the track. If one catches the other, they win. If nobody is caught, the winner is whoever has the fastest time over 4km for men or 3km for women.

TEAM PURSUIT

This works just like the individual pursuit, but with two teams of four riders starting on opposite sides of the track.

POINTS RACE

Men ride 160 laps, and women ride 100, in a mix of a sprint and endurance event with a heavy focus on tactical racing. Riders win points on sprint laps which occur every ten laps (5 points for the winner, then 3, 2 and 1) and by lapping the field (20 points). In the final sprint, the points are doubled.

MADISON

Teams of two riders take turns to race. It’s a relay race where partners use each other’s momentum via a hand sling. The winning team finishes with the most points accumulated from the sprint laps (5 for the winner, then 3, 2 and 1) and by lapping the field (20 points). In the final sprint, the points are doubled.

SCRATCH

A mass start race for solo riders. Men race for 15km, women for 10km. First over the line wins.

OMNIUM

Riders test their versatility across four events on the same day: scratch, tempo, elimination and points race. To win it, riders must finish strongly in all four events, rewarding consistency.

ELIMINATION

From a rolling start, riders sprint every two laps and the rider that crosses the line last on the sprint lap is eliminated. The field is narrowed as only the strongest sprinters stay cycling.

with cycling. Thankfully he rediscovered his passion at the 2022 Commonwealth Games where he took a silver (Keirin) and a bronze (Sprint). Now he’s found his mojo, could it be time for a gold? Instagram @jackcarlin97

WHERE

WHEN 3–9 August

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TRACK BACK

Track cycling was invented around 1870 and became an Olympic sport in 1896.

IN THE ZONE

There are four markings on the track in every velodrome. The light blue ‘cote d’azur’ zone at the bottom is for warm-ups or cool-downs; the black line defines the 250m length of the track; the red line (the sprinter’s line) is where most of the racing and overtaking happens; the blue line at the top (the stayer’s lane) is a rest area in the Madison.

THE BIKE

Riders can’t coast on track bikes and they don’t have brakes. To stop, they have to reduce their cadence and push back on the pedals.

Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Emirates Arena, 1000 London Road, Glasgow G40 3HG

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SIR CHRIS HOY VELODROME

VENUES

Named after the greatest Scottish track cyclist of all time, this is the spiritual home of track cycling in Scotland

NEED TO KNOW

Located within Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, the stunning 250m Siberian pine track was designed by one of the foremost track designers, Ralph Schuermann. It has hosted many prestigious events, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships.

4000 fans will fill the stands for the high-octane heroics and sweltering drama of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. And we literally mean sweltering. The air in the velodrome is kept deliberately warm to create a constant track temperature of 28 degrees Celsius – the warmer the temperature, the less dense the air, allowing the bikes to go faster. Staying well hydrated is strongly advised for riders and spectators alike.

The track temperature is a sweltering

28° C

Drink plenty of water when attending events here!

The banked corners curve at a terrifying 45° angle, meaning that riders can exit them at insanely fast speeds 45°

TRIALS

It’s all about balance in this incredibly unique test of stability and control

Riders hop, hook and wheel jump their way up, down and over purposebuilt obstacles designed to test the extremes of bicycle-based agility and technical skill.

The name of the game is flawless execution. Riders must follow the arrows, stay within the line and keep their feet on the pedals!

Riders have 2 minutes per section to be as precise as possible as they overcome set obstacles. The concept is simple: cross the gates ‘clean’ without setting any feet or part of the bike on the ground, except the rubber of the tyres. Every mistake – like falling, feet touching the ground, or reestablishing balance with the use of hands or arms – incurs penalties. Riders try to collect 10 points at every gate crossed ‘clean’. 60 points is the best possible score per section, 300 per lap is superb! The rider with the highest score is the winner.

RIDER TO WATCH Vera Baron (SPA)

At 17, this young Spanish rider took a glorious gold at the 2021 UCI Trials World Championships leaving favourite Nina Reichenbach with a silver. The German regained first place in 2022, with Baron second on the podium. But can she take back the world title in 2023? It’ll be nail-biting stuff… Instagram @veratrial

WHERE Glasgow Green, Glasgow G1 5DB

WHEN 8–10 August

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BACK IN THE DAY

Trials started in the 1970s, and grew as an off-shoot of the motorised version of the sport.

WHEEL SPIN

There are two main wheel types: 20-inch wheels give more control while 26-inchers have more speed.

THE BIKE

For maximum control, trial bikes have powerful brakes, wide handlebars, low tyre pressure and no saddles.

Scotland, The Perfect Stage

From uniquely Scottish events like Piping Live! and the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, to music and literary festivals taking place across the country, and the diverse cultural programme of the renowned Edinburgh Festivals, Scotland is the perfect setting for events of all shapes and sizes.

Our scenery is universally praised for being truly breathtaking, with many a tale to tell. And the varied landscapes lend themselves to a vast range of outdoor activities, adventures and events, both across the mainland and on many of our stunning islands. These unique locations and their unrivalled atmosphere offer both visitors and locals alike an experience like no other.

The past ten years has seen us host major sporting events, such as the 2014 Ryder Cup, 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2015 World Gymnastics Championships, 2018 European Championships, The 2019 Solheim Cup and UEFA EURO 2020. This year, we are very proud to host the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the inaugural edition of this major new event in the global cycling calendar.

Future highlights include the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024 in Glasgow, World Orienteering Championships 2024 in Edinburgh, The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon and AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews also in 2024, followed by the 2025 Island Games in Orkney.

Find out more

To find out all about the exciting events taking place across the country, please go to visitscotland. com/events where you can also discover more fantastic things to do, holiday inspiration, places to stay, local tips and more.

As one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in the world, Scotland is the ideal backdrop to major sporting and cultural events

ABOVE The 2019 Solheim Cup

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

IMAGES: VISITSCOTLAND/JEFF HOLMES; VISITSCOTLAND/KENNY LAM; JOHN SLAVIN PHOTOGRAPHY; VISITSCOTLAND/CUTMEDIA

Introducing the British names making cycling history…

IMAGES: SWPIX

THE FIGHTER

KADEENA COX

“I’m

Record-breaking Paralympian and Leeds lass Kadeena Cox was an avid athlete from a young age. After a stroke led to her being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, Kadeena was determined to continue a career in sport. She managed to secure a place at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, competing not only as a para-athlete, but also a para-cyclist. It was here that she became a household name, winning golds on the running and cycling tracks, and becoming the first British athlete to win golds in multiple sports at the same Games since Isabel Barr at the 1984 Paralympics. From there, Kadeena’s star has continued to rise. As well as winning a haul of UCI golds, she retained her Time Trial title at the Tokyo Paralympics, casually breaking the world record in the process. Her phenomenal success is an inspiration to so many young people facing challenges in sport — and life — whether it be due to their health, their gender, or the colour of their skin.

THE TRIPLE THREAT

TOM PIDCOCK

“Someone is always gonna come along and try to be better. People set a benchmark and it’s there to be beaten”

Multi-talented Brit Tom Pidcock doesn’t just compete in more than one cycling discipline, he wins in them all too. After a prodigious Junior and Under career with UCI World Championship victories in cyclo-cross mountain bike and road racing, the Yorkshire lad turned pro in 2021.

Since then, he has racked up victories at the 2020 Summer Olympics, the 2022 Cyclo-cross World Championships, and the prestigious road race Strade Bianche in 2023. He tackled his first Tour de France in 2022 winning solo on the climb of the iconic Alpe d’Huez, the youngest rider ever to do so.

One of the brightest stars on the cycling scene, Tom clearly has a long and glittering career ahead of him. Hold on tight because we have a feeling the ride has only just begun.

fighting for all those people that are in this position and feel like there is nothing to fight for”

THE PRODIGY

ZOE BÄCKSTEDT

THE WHIRLWIND

SAM RUDDOCK

You might not expect a UCI World Champion para-cyclist to start out in American Football but current men’s C1 1km Time Trial star Sam Ruddock began his sporting career as a linebacker. Born with cerebral palsy, Sam was the only player with a disability in the whole British University League.

In his final year, a coach saw his potential as an athlete and, despite his initial anxiety about going into a new sport, Sam was on the GB Paralympic Athletics team within months, running the 100m and 200m races at London 2012. Sam switched from sprinting to shot put soon after, competing in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

It was 2019 before the multi-talented sportsman joined the Great Britain Cycling Team, going on to win the Kilo time trial title at the 2022 UCI Paracycling Track World Championships. Never one to stay still for long, you’d be well advised to catch this non-stop star while you have the chance. Blink and you might miss him.

With five world titles in the bag at just 18 years old, Welsh road racing cyclist Zoe Bäckstedt is something of a cycling prodigy. In 2021, she kicked off her UCI medal collection with one gold (Junior Women Road Race) and one silver (Junior Women Individual Time Trial), before upgrading the silver for a gold in 2022, and retaining her title on the road. She also competes in track and Cyclo-cross, and is reigning world junior champ in Cyclo-cross and the Madison.

It should perhaps come as no surprise that riding is in Zoe’s blood. Her mother Megan Hughes and father Magnus Bäckstedt (2004 Paris-Roubaix winner) are both former pros, and her sister Elynor also rides professionally. Not that her racing relatives should take away from her remarkable talent. Zoe is one of the most dedicated and disciplined riders on the road. As you’ll no doubt see for yourself.

“It’s useful having a cycling family as my background, but I put a lot of hard work into my riding, training and racing”

“There’s always a way forward. See a challenge as an opportunity”

THE GREAT SCOT

KATIE ARCHIBALD

“There’s another gear when the threat of your goals being taken away from you is dangled there”

Asuperstar on the track, Glasgow girl Katie Archibald has more than 50 medals from across Olympic and Commonwealth Games, World and European Championships and UCI Track World Cup meetings. 38 of them are gold. It’s an amazing number for any rider, even more so when you realise Katie only started riding aged 17, when she switched from swimming.

But it hasn’t all been smooth riding. Katie was forced to withdraw from the 2022 Commonwealth Games after she suffered a string of injuries and was hit by a car, all while recovering from shoulder surgery. Tragically, the next month she lost her partner, mountain biker Rab Wardell, to a sudden cardiac arrest.

Showing her resilience and strength, Katie was back in prime position for the UEC European Track Championships in February 2023, taking golds in the Madison, Omnium and Team Pursuit. Buoyed by the home crowd at the velodrome in Glasgow, this invincible rider will surely achieve even greater things at the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds.

THE STAR ON THE RISE

CHARLIE ALDRIDGE

Young Scottish mountain biker Charlie Aldridge became a UCI Junior World Champion in 2019, when he won gold in the junior Cross-country competition at the UCI Mountain Bike Worlds in Canada. His second title came three years later when he won the British National Championships at Cannock Chase.

That course was not so kind when he returned there for the Commonwealth Games later in the year. Despite being on track for a medal, a crash on the penultimate lap pushed him into 16th place. Since then, Crieff-based Charlie’s luck has returned and he has taken medals at the European Continental Championships XCO Under 23 race and the 2022 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.

2023 marks the final year he will be competing in the Under 23 category, and as he comes of age, the supportive home crowd will be wishing him the smoothest of rides on the very bumpy course at Tweed Valley.

“Having the opportunity to compete in a UCI World Championships in front of a home crowd would be an incredible experience, and it would be a dream come true to pull on a rainbow jersey”

THE LOW KEY KING

JACK CARTHY

THE SUPERSTAR

BETH SHRIEVER MBE

BMX racer Beth Shriever started riding when she was just eight years old at her local club in Braintree, Essex. 14 years later, the insanely talented rider took both the Olympic and World titles, equalling the feat of Colombian legend Mariana Pajón. The following year, Beth completed the full set of gold medals by winning the 2022 UEC BMX Racing European Championships, and becoming the first BMX Racing cyclist in history to hold all three titles simultaneously. She was also awarded an MBE – no biggie!

Beth’s amazing achievements – coupled with her cool as a cucumber attitude – will undoubtedly inspire many more young women to get on a BMX. And what could be cooler than that?

We’d be inclined to agree with swaggering singer Liam Gallagher who tweeted his congratulations after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, saying, “Bethany Shriever - what a ledge. Well done.” A legend at just 24. That’s quite something.

Yorkshire’s Jack Carthy has won an astounding 10 UCI World Titles and is the reigning UCI World Trials Champion on 26-inch wheels. Ranked 3rd in the world at just 15, he is no newbie to the sport, yet you may not have heard his name much. We predict that is all about to change.

In the spirit of putting something back into the sport, Jack has recently formed the Carthy Academy to help young riders get a foothold on the trials scene. Hopefully his efforts will also bring more attention to the oft-overlooked cycling discipline, and some well-deserved headlines for his own epic talent.

It’s almost a given that Jack will add to his haul at the Championships, but can he take the crown again? We’ll be heading to Glasgow Green to find out and, if you’ve yet to see this unsung hero in action, we suggest you do the same.

“Just riding my bike day in and day out is a highlight for me, but the biggest high would have to be getting 10 UCI World Titles”

“I would want to be able to say that I was the best ever female BMX Racing athlete, and that’s quite a big statement”

ONTHEFASTTRACK

UCI World Champion Neah Evans on team spirit, student life and her speedy rise to the podium

Scottish rider Neah Evans took up cycling aged 24, making her a late-bloomer compared to most. But she’s been on a rapid ascent ever since she took to the track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome ten years ago. Since then, the endurance cyclist, who hails from Ayrshire, has proved herself world class. She has won gold in the Team Pursuit an astounding six times at the UEC European Track Championships, taken silver with her team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and topped it all off with a glorious gold in the points race at the 2022 UCI Track World Championships. Now she’s gearing up for another furious competition at the Championships, and this time, she says it means more than ever…

The UCI World Championships is always special, but when it’s on the velodrome that you learned to ride, there’s an extra something there. I can’t wait to hear the crowd. I’m not sure if it’s the acoustics in there, but I know for a fact that in Glasgow, when people start cheering, it is loud. It’s special to be in front of a home crowd, especially when you recognise faces. Some of them will probably have seen me falling off a bike when I was just getting into cycling!

I very much enjoyed being a UCI World Champion, and I’ll definitely be looking to come out with a new jersey this time round. In the run up to The Championships, you don’t know what events you’re going to be selected for until very late in the process, so it feels quite uncertain. Then when you are selected, there’s this huge pressure to achieve, especially if you’re defending a title.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, but you can’t let those nerves get to you. I tell myself, “Great. I’ve done the training. I’m in the best shape I can be. What will be will be. Just enjoy it” I think all those years I spent horse riding have taught me to handle stress quite well. You very quickly learn that if you’re nervous, that will transfer to the horse, and that’s when you can have a disaster.

Horse riding was my passion growing up. It was only because my horse was injured that I started looking around for another sport. I was at university studying to be a vet and my horse fell the night before my first exam. She was out of action for a while, and although my parents had always been super-supportive, I remember Mum saying, “Look, you’re going to have to find a cheaper sport!”

Being into endurance sports herself, Mum suggested I give running a go. So I joined the university running club, and I loved the balance it gave me. My priorities then were socialising, running, then studying, in that order. I’m not ashamed to admit I enjoyed the student lifestyle. I was going out drinking multiple times a week and having so much fun. If my friends from university saw me now they’d be quite aghast at the change!

When an injury in my final year stopped me running, my dad said, “Listen, you’d actually be better at cycling than running anyway. You’d love the track.” I’d never ridden a fixed-gear bike and wasn’t very into the idea, but he sorted me out with a bike, and encouraged me to get accreditation at the velodrome. It says something about my personality that I gave it a go and was immediately like, “Oh, actually, this is really fun!” It snowballed pretty quickly after that.

IMAGES: SWPIX

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I was lucky that, because my mum had been a skier, my parents didn’t have that perception that I needed to get a “proper job”. After two years juggling being a vet with cycling, British Cycling offered me the chance to go professional. My boss said, “Go for it. If you ever need a job, just give me a call.” It was amazing to have that safety net.

So many people start in their sports at such a young age that it’s all they’ve ever known. There’s a fear that they have no other options if they get injured, or can’t keep going for whatever reason. I’m lucky to have this kind of ace card. It’s not a bad fall back to have. I loved being a vet.

Being an athlete isn’t like a normal job. You don’t train and then totally relax. It’s 24/7. You become very aware of the impact of every little thing you

do. One late night drinking can have a huge impact on your training. Some would say that’s making a sacrifice, I don’t see it that way. No one’s forcing me to do this. I enjoy it. I want to be the best, so I make choices that will help optimise my performance. I’m not saying I live the perfect athlete life, far from it. It’s about balance.

I’m lucky that my partner, Jonny, is a cyclist too because he understands the way it works. We often go to Tenerife over Christmas, but he doesn’t expect me to go and lie on a beach. We’ll go somewhere with the intention of training together. We recently went to Andorra, which you might imagine would be lovely and relaxed, but we actually spent our time climbing up mountains where there’s not enough oxygen!

I got engaged a couple of years ago but we’re not planning a wedding yet. At the time, everyone was asking when we would get married. I used to say, “After the Olympics.” I didn’t specify which Olympics though!

My family doesn’t often get to see me race. My brothers both live overseas – one in Norway, one in Germany – and if Jonny and I are away at the same time, my parents have to look after my dog – he’s the number one priority!

I’ve always been competitive. My parents kept me and my brothers very active. We all rode horses and did orienteering when we were young. My oldest brother is the most naturally sporty, but he didn’t like the stress of competitions, so he stepped away. Then the middle brother, Donald, was great at rowing. He won gold for Scotland at the 2014

“I want to be the best, so I make choices that will help optimise my performance. I’m not saying I live the perfect athlete life, far from it. It’s about balance”

TOP With Team GB at the 2022 Tissot UCI Track World Championships in France

BELOW Celebrating victory in the Women’s Points Race

Commonwealth Games and held a world record in indoor rowing for a while. He gave it up to have a proper academic career, whereas I was like, “Nah, I’m just going to keep going with sport for as long as I can!”

Every athlete is different but I think we all share a bit of stubbornness and determination. My team-mates and I do anyway! We want to win, we want to be the best, and that is the huge driver that motivates us. You need that ability to stick at it when the going gets tough, because ultimately, it’s never going to be an easy path to success. There are ups and downs, and there will always be tough days.

QUICK Q&A

Career highlight?

Winning my first two medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Up until that point, I didn’t realise I was any good.

Plan B?

Going back to being a vet, but my old employer who vowed to give me my job back has retired so it might not be quite so easy!

Guilty TV pleasure?

I never know what to watch on TV, maybe because I didn’t have one when I was studying. I’m currently doing a part-time Master’s in animal nutrition at Glasgow Uni, so a lot of my free time goes on that instead.

Soundtrack to success?

I need a balance of uplifting, but not too uplifting. You can’t get too excited too soon in a race. I stumbled upon a Spotify playlist called This Is Lost Frequencies which works for me.

Words of wisdom for budding cyclists?

My teammates are very much like a second family. We train together week in, week out. The dynamics for the Team Pursuit can put a lot of pressure on those relationships because the team is selected from a group of six or seven. Only four of you will get to line up on the start line. It’s a strange situation, but it’s very special when everything comes together and you get results as a team.

Just give it a go. And bring it!

harassed by a car driver. Back home, the roads are quiet and there are so many beautiful places to ride.

The beauty of cycling is that it can be super sociable. I imagine some people might be daunted about breaking into a new social bubble, but it’s not an elitist thing. If you’re cycling competitively, it’s a bit different, and you need more equipment and discipline. But anyone can get on a bike. It’s about finding what gives you pleasure.

The legacy of hosting events like the Championships is about giving as many people as possible the opportunity to try a new sport. If the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome hadn’t existed in Glasgow, for example, I’d never have started cycling. As a beginner, I didn’t have the motivation to travel anywhere to train, but having a facility that was local meant I could just go and give it a try. I fell in love with track cycling, but it could be BMX, it could be downhill, it could be anything. You have to find your niche and discover what makes you tick.

In my downtime, I love hill walking with my whippet, Figaro. I often do that when I know I shouldn’t. It doesn’t sound particularly wild or sinful but, as a cyclist, you try not to spend too much time on your feet. Walking for a couple of hours isn’t the best thing for recovery. I just get this huge sense of freedom when I go off into the hills.

When I visit my parents in Aberdeenshire, I love getting out on the bike. I’m based in Manchester now and there are a lot of cars on the road. I’m sure every cyclist will understand how it feels to be

“Every athlete is different but I think we all share a bit of stubbornness and determination. My teammates and I do anyway!”

TOP (L) Ready for action at the 2023 UEC Track Elite European Championships in Switzerland TOP (R) Trackside during the 2022 Commonwealth Games where she competed on Team Scotland RIGHT In practice at the Izu Velodrome, Japan

DAME KATHERINE GRAINGER

The Chair of UK Sport, and former rowing Olympic Champion, reflects on the important role sport can play in our communities and within ourselves

sporting event like no other”

On behalf of UK Sport, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland. Glasgow is where I was born and went to school, so it holds a very special place in my heart. With five venues in the city I hope you will feel the special passion, energy and spirit that thrives here. The other locations are visually spectacular so wherever you are supporting, I know fans will have a fantastic time.

Looking back, 2022 was a truly memorable year as the UK hosted a record-breaking Women’s European Football Championships, a groundbreaking Rugby League World Cup and an exciting Gymnastics World Championships in the great city of Liverpool, with Birmingham also playing host to an incredible Commonwealth Games.

I’m excited that we continue to lead the way in 2023 as we welcome thousands of the world’s best cyclists to Scotland to compete in 13 UCI World Championships. This event showcases the UK’s ambition to host the most innovative and exciting events in the global sporting calendar that inspire and unite the nation. I hope that you enjoy the next few days of world class competition and extraordinary sporting moments.

As we celebrate the power of the bike, we hope that the Championships encourages people across the UK to get back in the saddle and enjoy the transformative effects sport can have on all of us, no matter our ability.

“This event showcases the UK’s ambition to host the most innovative and exciting events in the global sporting calendar that inspire and unite the nation”

“A

We each have our own connection to the humble bicycle, and the reasons we take to the saddle are as unique as the roads we ride on. From first timers to hardy pros, each story is different - but all are bridged by one undeniable constant: the power of the bike

uring one of the toughest times in her life, Jenny found the strength to carry on through cycling. She now helps spread the positive and lifechanging benefits of getting out on a bike, through a platform that champions equality, diversity and inclusion. Jenny is a leader of women-only Breeze bike rides, organised by British Cycling.

“I think [in cycling] women are missing out hugely. It can be really intimidating being a woman in cycling, so being able to join a group where you leave with a smile and feel confident

“I was 28 when I got my cancer diagnosis. It was really hard, but I found consistency in cycling. It made me feel like me again, and I felt free. I volunteer because I want to give back exactly what I got from cycling, so that others can enjoy it and get the same sense of freedom.

“Breeze rides are women-only rides. It’s really easy to get involved, you sign up for free and anyone can join. As long

as you have a bike, you can come along. I think it’s much more about the community and the social aspect than just getting out on your bike. That sense of community is really embedded in Breeze rides.

“The main aim of Breeze is to encourage women to have confidence to cycle. No matter if you’re on a trike or a recumbent, cycling doesn’t discriminate, it’s available to everyone.”

“I volunteer because I want to give back exactly what I got from cycling … the same sense of freedom”

BELOW Scan to watch Jenny’s story

Every Ride Is A Victory Lap

At Tredz, we believe that every cycling adventure holds the potential for victory. Whether it's conquering challenging terrains, surpassing personal milestones, or simply relishing the joy of the ride, every moment on the bike is an opportunity to experience the exhilaration of victory. So, let's saddle up, embrace the challenge with unwavering determination, and make every ride a glorious victory lap.

NEIL’S STORY

One of Scotland’s most decorated track cyclists, Neil Fachie OBE has overcome near-total blindness to set records on the tandem at the Paralympics, Commonwealth Games and UCI World Championships.

“I’m visually impaired, hence I ride on the back of a tandem, and have a fully sighted person on the front. Cycling – particularly on the track – can be very much a solo endeavour, whereas with two people on each team, it’s got that unique element to it.

“Cycling has opened me up to the freedom to explore the world, and given me the confidence as a person to express myself – to go out and take on the world.

“When I heard about all disciplines coming together for the first time at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, I was immediately excited. It’s a pioneering event. At some point I’m going to have to hang up the bike, but when I saw this event was on the horizon, I knew I needed to be part of it.”

TOP Neil, with pilot Matthew Rotherham, competes in the 2022 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championship BELOW Scan to watch Neil’s story

“Cycling has opened me up to the freedom to explore the world, and given me the confidence as a person to express myself — to go out and take on the world”

These are just three examples of the many inspiring individuals in the two-wheeled community. Their stories reflect the inclusivity, equality and diversity we strive for, as a community and as an event.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and our delivery partners have signed an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Pledge to deliver a world class event

BILLY’S STORY

Founded by decorated Scottish Olympic cyclist Billy Bilsland in 1980, Billy Bilsland Cycles has been serving Glasgow and beyond for over 40 years. Billy’s son Neil now runs the shop and tells us Billy’s story.

“My dad was one of Scotland’s most successful road cyclists from a time when there weren’t many Brits who competed on the continent. He worked in high-rise flats as a joiner, and he’d race at the weekend in order to gain that Olympic spot. Billy, being a Glasgow hard man, gritted his teeth and made the position.

“I think it was a natural progression from having raced bicycles to selling them. My father had contacts within the industry, both from himself and also my grandfather, who was President of Scottish Cycling, that no other shop would have. We bought Campagnolo direct from Campagnolo. We bought Vittoria tyres direct from the factory.

“Cycling’s been in my family for three generations. Bikes have been our lives. Cycling is a force for good, and if you’re a part of that, it can only be a good thing.”

that embodies the spirit of community, belonging and equal respect.

Reaching out to as many people as possible is our ambition - to create an inspirational event that builds a sustainable, inclusive future for cycling in Scotland. To find out more about this vision and read our Pledge, visit www.bit.ly/cwcedi

ABOVE Billy instilled his love of cycling in his son Neil BELOW Neil now runs the family business. Scan to watch the story

“My dad was one of Scotland’s most successful road cyclists from a time when there weren’t many Brits who competed on the continent … he gritted his teeth and made the position”

GOING GOLD

FOR

BMX racer

Kye Whyte on early beginnings, epic crashes and the ultimate motivation

IMAGES: SWPIX

Dubbed ‘The Prince of Peckham’, Kye Whyte discovered his love for racing at the age of three, when he joined his big brothers on the local BMX track, where his dad was a coach. Eldest brother Daniel and middle brother Tre both went on to race for Great Britain, so Kye had some impressive tracks to follow in. Not that he was ever daunted. With a host of junior titles under his belt, Kye’s first pro season in 2018 saw him swipe a silver medal at the UEC European BMX Championships right here in Glasgow. The following year, he recorded his first ever UCI BMX Supercross World Cup victory on the Manchester track he now calls home. Then in the summer of 2021, the world sat up and took notice when Kye won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, the first British male rider to do so. Two years on, as Kye prepares to take to the challenging course at Glasgow BMX Centre once again, the tenacious 23-year-old says he only has eyes for the top spot…

I think it’s a great idea that they’re bringing all the UCI World Championships together in Scotland for the first time. It’s going to be such a good event for everyone to be competing in the same place at the same time. The BMX Racing Track has changed a bit since I raced here last year, so it’ll be different, but I’m excited. My only goal is to go there and win. It’ll be hard but I believe I can do it.

I really hate losing. The Olympics is a massive highlight because I was the first one on Team GB to ever win a medal. But it was silver. I know that’s not a failure, but I also know I could have won.

Hopefully my family can come to watch me race in Glasgow. They weren’t able to go to Tokyo, but they were all there on this big screen after the race. I knew my brother and my dad would be on it but everyone showed up, the kids, and all my other family friends. They were all going wild. It was such a surprise, I nearly cried.

My mum always showed up to watch when I did Dancing on Ice last year. I think she was more

there to meet the other celebrities! Doing the show was so much fun, but I feel like I was cheated. I made the semi-finals, but the three finalists all had a background in performing. Until I put those skates on, I never realised how hard that sport is. The amount of training and the level of skill is beyond me. I only had two days to learn new routines and get them right. With racing, I just do the same thing over and over again!

I think to succeed in BMX Racing, you have to be very brave and strong-minded. It’s a really challenging sport and it’s hard on your body. You get injured a lot, and some of those crashes can be mentally bruising too. It can also be hard at competitions when you’re having a bad day and your teammates are achieving their best results. Of course you have to be happy for them, but you want to be achieving your best too, so it can feel a lot like you’re letting the side down.

“My only goal is to win. It’ll be hard but I believe I can do it”

My worst crash happened when I was 13 and I’d just joined the GB talent team. We went to a race in Crewe where I was competing with older boys. Someone fell off in front of me and I crashed, knocking myself out. I was in an induced coma for about five days. I had a bleed on the brain, a broken jaw, and the left side of my face was basically missing. At 13, I don’t think I fully understood how serious the injuries were. I think if it happened to me today, I probably wouldn’t get back on the bike. Being able to fall off and get straight back on again was a skill I learned when I was very young. My dad helped run Peckham BMX Club so he was always there when we were training. When I first started, if he saw me getting in trouble, he would never swoop in to save me. He used to just let me fall off, pick myself up and get back on the bike. He needed to make sure I wasn’t too scared to do it, but I loved it from the very first time.

When I was younger, I had eczema and asthma, which isn’t great for riding in dirt and dust. My skin would get really bad, and I wouldn’t be able to breathe, then my mum would make me stop. I used to cry so much because I loved it. Eventually, we made a plan where I’d get off when things started to flare up so she could give me three pumps from the inhaler. Then I’d have to get naked behind a towel so she could quickly cover me in cream!

After BMX Racing was introduced to the Olympics in 2008, I knew for sure that’s what I wanted to do with my life. My oldest brother Dan joined the GB team aiming for the 2012 Olympics, and Tre and I were right behind him in the training system. You start on the School Talent Team; then move up to Olympic Development; and when you’re approaching 18, you move to Manchester, where the Team GB training centre is, and become a full-time athlete. Tre moved to Manchester in 2013, then in 2017, it was finally my turn.

TOP Kye in action at the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in Glasgow

ABOVE (L) Niek Kimmann pips Kye to gold in the BMX Racing final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

ABOVE (R)

Celebrating with gold medallist Beth Shriever after their medal ceremony at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The age difference between my brothers has stopped us being too competitive with each other. Dan retired before I got to the age where I could race him, and at that stage, Tre was already fast enough to beat him. I used to race Tre sometimes in Manchester but when I was getting fast, he retired too. Even now, when all my brothers get together, there’s an argument over who is fastest but at the end of the day, I’m the best!

QUICK Q&A Career highlight?

All the times I’ve won!

Plan B?

I haven’t got one yet. I’ll probably retire when I’m 28 so I should probably think about that!

Guilty pleasure?

Domino’s Texas BBQ pizza.

Off-duty pastime?

I can quite happily chill all day playing my PS5.

Words of wisdom for budding riders?

Just have fun and make friends. BMX gave me so many opportunities to travel and meet new people. It’s a great experience, at any level.

BMX-ing kept us all on the right path. My dad was super-strict and he’s a proper sporty guy so if it hadn’t been BMX, he’d have had us doing another of his sports like golf, tennis or football. Everyone in Peckham knew us as the BMX kids, so no one ever gave us any trouble and I’m not the kind of person that would go looking for it.

Every time I go to London, I’ll go back to the club and see the kids. Some of them are really cheeky and already think they’re the best in the world, so I’ll just pop my head in to keep them on a ground level. A lot of kids come to Peckham BMX Club to train because we take it so seriously there. Sure, you can have fun, but when it’s time to train, it’s time to train.

I am inspired by where I’ve come from. The statistics of doing well as a young athlete, or a young black kid getting out of Peckham, are not great. All the odds were against me. There was an experience that Tre had which really motivated me. At one point, he could have gone to the 2016 Olympics, but someone stood in his way. At the time, he was the only black person on the team. I feel like his dream was stolen. I can’t live it for him

I want more kids from all over the world to be inspired to get on a BMX. The 2020 Olympics brought the sport to the attention of so many more people who had never seen it before. We even had celebrities like Jamie Oliver tweeting about BMX. It was unreal. People talk about me being a role model and of course there will be kids who see you doing great things and want to do the same. But at the end of the day, I’m just riding a bike. I’m just doing my job.

but I can try to do something.

“Everyone in Peckham knew us as the BMX kids, so no one ever gave us any trouble and I’m not the kind of person that would go looking for it”

TOP Tre and Kye Whyte at the UCI BMX World Championships in Belgium BELOW Tre and Kye Whyte racing at Team GB BMX training in 2017

and Spot

toOrkney and Shetland

Discovering the Northern Isles has never been easier with NorthLink F erries. The comfortable and reliable service offers sailings from Aberdeen to Lerwick, Shetland, with regular calls into Orkney’s capital of Kirkwall.

Alternatively travel to Orkney’s port of Stromness from Caithness. This 90 minute journey on MV Hamnavoe is the only sailing to Orkney which passes the iconic sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy.

northlinkferries.co.uk

Operated by

Shetland

Orkney

Discover Scotland ... or should that be Bikeland? From mountainous roads to world class trails, there’s something for every cyclist in the versatile Scottish landscape

SCOTLAND. MADE FOR CYCLING

IMAGE: VISITSCOTLAND / PAUL TOMKINS

Take time out. Visit South Lanarkshire.

Experience cycling trails in the picturesque countryside, only a short distance from Glasgow.

New Lanark World Heritage Site

South Lanarkshire is even better when you know it insideOut

Angus

With breathtaking scenery, rolling hills and sandy white beaches, Angus is a fascinating region to explore on two wheels.

Famously home to Aberdeen Angus beef, Arbroath Smokies, Peter Pan and now the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Gran Fondo Individual Time Trials, the fascinating region has plenty to do, taste and discover. And we didn’t even mention the thrilling watersports and fantastic fishing – though we wouldn’t necessarily recommend taking the bike out to sea.

MUST-DO

A series of truly special and tranquil valleys, the Angus people who want to get away

FAST FACT

A Munro is a mountain over 3000ft, and Angus has ten you can bag. The name comes from Sir Hugh Munro, who was an Angus native.

Glen Clova is one of the most

Clackmannanshire

Scotland’s smallest historic county has plenty to see, do and most importantly, cycle. majestic Ochil Hills and the mighty Firth of Forth – right Men Elite route. What was once an engine of Scottish industries like weaving, brewing and glass blowing is now a peaceful paradise for hikers and cyclists to savour.

MUST-DO

You’ll easily find walks here for all ages and abilities. The glens of the Ochil Hills and Gartmorn Dam Country Park provide some of the more

established routes, while the more adventurous will want to ascend the 2363ft of the beautiful Ben Cleuch. Wherever you walk, views of a lifetime await.

MUST-SEE The Andy Scott Public

loved. At its head you’ll find Glen Doll where ancient footpaths take you into the heart of the Cairngorms.

MUST-SEE

There are many splendid castles and historic houses in Angus, but perhaps none so fine or esteemed as the sublime Glamis Castle. Not only was it the ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore, it was the inspiration behind Macbeth, the childhood residence of

FAST FACT

At just 55 square miles, Clackmannanshire is Scotland’s smallest historic county.

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret.

MUST-RIDE

There’s something for every cyclist in Angus, from family-friendly routes to challenging twisty climbs. Some local favourites include the picturesque Arbroath Harbour to Barry Mill, Monifieth to Carrot Hill and back via Monikie and Newbigging, and Keptie Pond to Letham Grange via St Vigeans nature trail.

Art Trail is a series of six sculptures, representing Clackmannanshire’s river, woodlands, the Ochil Hills, its industrial past and vibrant future. The area also has a rich history of local makers, especially in textiles, pottery and glass. Those traditions are alive and well, which you can see for yourself in the region’s art galleries and museums.

MUST-RIDE

There are loads of on-road and off-road routes for you to explore, including the 12.8 mile Alloa Hillfoots Loop, Devon Way, Gartmorn Dam (with lots of wildlife to spot), and many more.

Cyclists explore Corrie Fee, Glen Clova, Angus Glens

The Devon Way

VISITSCOTLAND / LUIGI DI PASQUALE; DISCOVER CLACKMANNAN / DAMIAN SHIELDS

Dumfries and Galloway

With miles of picturesque, rocky shorelines and acres of dense forests, the lowlands are a supremely beautiful and peaceful place to be.

The vivid variety of the landscape here means there’s every kind of cycling for every kind of cyclist, with countless trails that ribbon through the vast countryside.

The region will play host to the Para-cycling Road events at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. But if the non-stop action gets too intense, a walk around the Logan Botanic Garden is a great way to unwind and refresh the mind.

Home to truly remarkable plants (including some exotic beauties from South and Central America, Southern Africa and Australasia), this is unquestionably one of

FAST FACT

Scotland’s most special gardens. If you visit on a sunny August day, the vibe will be truly tropical.

MUST-DO

Situated by the beautiful Loch Ken, there’s loads to do for adults and kids at the Galloway Activity Centre. Take your pick from kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, climbing, archery, mountain biking, laser combatting and Scotland’s first 40ft-high swing. Or even better: do everything.

MUST-SEE

There are five major whisky producing regions in Scotland: Speyside, Islay, Highlands, Campbeltown and Lowlands. Annandale Distillery is a fine example of a Lowland distillery, first opened in 1836 and reborn in 2014 following an

extensive restoration project. Despite the much needed modernisation, the master distillers at Annandale still make whisky according to traditional methods. Well worth a visit whether you take the full tour or just sample some of their wares.

MUST-RIDE

The stunning Drumlanrig estate offers 9000 beautiful acres to explore, while the Solway Coast 200 will take you from the wild cliffs of Scotland’s most southerly point to the English border at Greta Green. The region is also home to five of the 7stanes trail centres - worldclass mountain biking centres spanning the south of Scotland, each with their own unique stone sculpture.

The inventor of the modern pedal-driven bicycle, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, was born in the village of Keir on 2 September 1812. Cycling’s coming home!

The Red Trail, Dalbeattie Forest

FAST FACT

The Dundee docks is home to the HMS Unicorn, the world’s 6th oldest ship. And don’t miss the RRS Discovery, the ship Captain Robert Falcon Scott captained to the Antarctic.

Dundee

The ideal city break location with a historic waterfront and buzzing cultural scene, there’s loads to see and do in Scotland’s city of discovery.

The heat is well and truly on in Scotland’s sunniest city as it hosts the Gran Fondo Time Trials and welcomes all to the bonnie banks of the River Tay.

A compact and accessible city, Dundee is brilliant for walking and even better for biking as you can see and do so much in just one day.

MUST-DO

If adventure is your thing, Wild Shore Dundee is your place. Set in the beautiful City Quay, the watersports facility offers an aqua park, cable wakeboarding, ringo and stand up paddle (SUP) boarding sessions – perfect

for cooling down after riding your bike round the city.

MUST-SEE

V&A Dundee is the first ever purpose-built design museum in Scotland, where you can experience the story of Scotland’s design past, present and future. The breathtaking building, designed by Kengo Kuma, sits at the heart of Dundee’s stunning waterfront regeneration.

MUST-RIDE

The Green Circular is a 26mile cycle route round the city, linking big parks while staying away from main roads, and with helpful signs pointing out all the interesting things along the way. If you fancy venturing further afield, the Sidlaw Hills are a great place to start. And if you left your bike at home, don’t worry. Dundee Cycle Hub has you covered.

Cycling at Dundee waterfront

From off-street paths and former railway lines to sea view esplanades, explore Scotland’s capital city on two wheels. Plan your visit www.edinburgh.org/cycling

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is a city like no other, home to ancient streets, gothic buildings, hidden pubs, secret shortcuts and some truly special cycling.

In Scotland’s gloriously charismatic capital, the Medieval Old Town sits side by side with the Georgian New Town, combining a oneof-a-kind history, heritage, culture, place and people, all crowned by the iconic Edinburgh Castle sitting atop an extinct volcano. The city is no stranger to drama, and despite all those bumpy cobbled streets, legions of bikes will descend on Edinburgh, as the start line of the Men Elite Road Race for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

MUST-DO

No visit is complete without a wander around the mighty and miraculous Edinburgh

Castle. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One o’Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. In addition to guided tours provided by the castle stewards, there is an audio guide tour available in eight languages. The audio tour takes the visitor on a tour around the castle, explains its architecture, and tells its dramatic history.

MUST-SEE

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the UK’s top 10 visitor attractions for a reason. Well, lots of reasons. With breathtakingly diverse collections you can adventure through the history of Scotland, the wonders of nature, art and design, science and technology, and world cultures – all under one roof.

FAST FACT

11-time UCI World Champ, six-time Olympic Champion and Edinburgh’s favourite son, Sir Chris Hoy, was born in Murrayfield in 1976.

MUST-RIDE

Miles and miles of traffic-free bike routes make Edinburgh a great cycling city. Some essential cycling spots include the Royal Botanic Garden, the Union Canal and Arthur’s Seat, a favourite climb for locals. Getting out of the city is glorious too, with gorgeous scenery and spectacular shorelines to explore in every direction.

Cycling and sightseeing in South Queensferry

IMAGE: VISITSCOTLAND / LUIGI DI PASQUALE

Falkirk

An engine of Scotland’s industrial revolution, this spellbinding town blends history and modernity in one special place.

Falkirk is a big town with a big heart, situated midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, at the halfway point of the Men Elite Road Race. Stunning open spaces and magical landmarks make it a destination well worth discovering on bike, on foot, or even by steam train.

Fife

Come for the golf, stay for the cycling. The Kingdom of Fife has plenty for active explorers, plus incredible history and heritage to boot. There’s no getting away from Fife’s proud place as the Home of Golf, but bikes are extremely welcome too, everywhere but on the greens! So if you’re there to see the Men Elite Road Race pass by, make sure you also get out and explore the ancestral palaces of Scottish monarchs, discover hidden beaches along stunning shorelines, and savour a sip of whisky or craft beer in this popular region.

MUST-DO

The Helix is a parkland that’s perfect for cycling. It’s also great for walking and watersports, but the star of the show is the Kelpies. Standing 30m tall and forged from 300 tonnes of steel, they are the world’s largest equine sculptures. But they’re not just there to be admired, you can explore inside them too, and find out how horsepower drove the industrial revolution in Scotland.

FAST FACT

More than 230,000 rounds of golf are played at St Andrews each year.

MUST-SEE

The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s first (and only) rotating boat lift and an unparalleled achievement of 21st century engineering. It transports boats 115ft between the different levels of the Union and Forth & Clyde canals. It’s amazing to see in action.

MUST-RIDE

Canal paths and cycling trails make Falkirk and the surrounding area a sanctuary for cycling. E-bikes are a great option and available

FAST FACT

Kelpies are a staple of Scottish folklore. In our mythic tradition, it’s said that just one of these magnificent water beasts has the strength of ten horses.

for hire at the Falkirk Wheel, the Helix Park, Falkirk Town Centre and Callendar Park, Grangemouth, Bo’ness and Denny.

MUST-DO

When you think of golf, you think about the hallowed Old Course at St Andrews. But Fife boasts 49 other courses to play on, from the fairways of Ladybank to the 600-year-old club at Dunfermline. There’s something for every golfer.

MUST-SEE

Fife’s stunning shoreline boasts 117 miles of Scotland’s longest continuous coastal path. Each section is beautiful in its own right - you’ll find quaint fishing villages, picturesque seaside towns and historic landmarks

– so wherever you choose to explore, you’re in for a real treat.

MUST-RIDE

Fife packs a big punch when it comes to size vs sheer variety of things to do, so getting out on your bike is a brilliant idea. From the quiet countryside to the stunning coastline of the North Sea, you’ll never run out of places to cycle here.

The HarTT cycle route near Falkirk

Fife

BESTUK ATTRACTION(Tripadvisor,2023)

www.welcometofife.com

Fife has everything you need for a great cycling holiday for all ages and abilities.

We’ve got over 350 miles of sign posted routes including traffic free routes, and we’re on several National Cycle Routes with some amazing scenery to cycle through.

We’ve also got MTB trails, a great new pump track, a cycle speedway track, and Fife Cycle Park – a purpose-built circuit – Scotland’s first and still the biggest!

Off the bike Fife really does have something for everyone. Enjoy a beautiful landscape, fantastic beaches and coastline, great outdoor activities, fascinating history, the world-famous Home of Golf, culture, festivals, award winning food and drink, and fantastic accommodation.

Why not come and see for yourself?

Explore Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, from State Apartments to Crew’s Quarters

Fort William and the Highlands

Home of Ben Nevis, and often described as the UK’s outdoor capital, Fort William and its cinematic scenery is a true paradise for bikers.

The Highlands has everything from the northern lights to sandy beaches, but its epic munros and mountains will be the stars of the show as Fort William plays host to the Mountain Bike Downhill events at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

MUST-DO

In a nation packed full of majestic hills, munros and mountains, one stands taller than the rest: Ben Nevis. Bagging ‘the Ben’ is bucket list stuff for any hiker. There are multiple ways around (and up) the mountain, ranging from moderate ascents to technical climbs. But whatever route you choose, remember to always be prepared: consult a detailed weather forecast and local guides, and ensure you have proper equipment, supplies and navigation aids.

FAST FACT

Fort William became the UK’s mecca of mountain biking after hosting its first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Round in 2002.

If you make it to the summit and you get a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360° panoramic vistas which can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.

MUST-SEE

There will be hundreds of stars on show at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs. There’s 7000 more if you look up at night. Blessed with some of Scotland’s darkest skies, the wilderness area around Fort William is a perfect spot for stargazing and getting perspective on your place in the universe. No telescope required.

MUST-RIDE

Touted as Scotland’s Route 66, the North Coast 500 is an epic 500-mile road cycling loop taking you around the spectacular scenery of the Highlands coastline – if you can cope with the climbs! The Great Glen Way is also popular with cyclists (and walkers), while the Road to the Isles is an epic ride. Stretching west from Fort William to the port town of Mallaig, it offers awe-inspiring sunsets over the Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and Skye.

Laggan Wolftrax Mountain Biking Trail

Loch Glencoul

Glasgow

The great city of Glasgow needs no introduction… but the friendly folk of Glasgow will be sure to say hello anyway!

Famous for its live music, striking architecture, marvellous museums, botanic gardens and loads more, the bike will be added to that list after Glasgow becomes the epicentre for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

MUST-DO

No visitor can come to this stylish city without hitting the shops. Big brands, boutiques, luxury outlets and indie stores are all well represented in Glasgow with plenty of great restaurants, cafes and bars dotted in between. Check out Buchanan Street, Argyll Arcade and Merchant Square and you’ll see what we mean. If you’re on a budget or just fancy an unusual day out, the legendary (and weekend only) Barras Market is a one-of-a-kind mix of street

FAST FACT

Notable Scottish figures born in Glasgow include Sir Billy Connolly, Lewis Capaldi, Lulu, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and James McAvoy.

vendors, vintage flea markets, shops and pubs.

MUST-SEE

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a truly magnificent building, bringing an amazing range of art, history and nature to life. With 22 galleries featuring extensive and internationally significant collections, this is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. And it’s all free. The grand building provides an iconic backdrop in the heart of the bohemian West End of the city and recently hosted world leaders, including President Biden, for the COP26 climate summit.

MUST-RIDE

With over 300km of cycleways, there’s no better way to explore Glasgow than by bike. There are plenty of fantastic cycling routes in the city. Check out the Kelvin Walkway, the Forth and Clyde Canal, the banks of the River Clyde and Glasgow Green. If you fancy some urban adventuring, there’s the indoor e-bike arena, iMotoX. You can even cycle all the way to Loch Lomond and Edinburgh on a flat, easy canal path routes.

Pump Track at Cathkin Braes

The Riverside Museum

Loch Lomond and West Dunbartonshire

Take a deep breath, clear your head and fall in love with a paradise of nature, wildlife, water, golf and cycling.

In a country full of stunningly beautiful places, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park stands out as one of the most stunningly beautiful. A true paradise for wanderers, hikers and bikers, there are endless opportunities for exploration and adventure on the munros, the lochs or two wheels. As the starting point for the Men Under 23 and Women Elite Road Races, the park is the place to catch some of the world’s best riders as they set off for glory, and the finish line in Glasgow.

FAST FACT

Loch Lomond is 190m deep and its shoreline runs for 153km, making it the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area.

MUST-DO

There are dozens of world class trails and hill walks here. Ben A’an and Conic Hill are the classic treks, but you can get away from the crowds easily with plenty of routes to try.

MUST-SEE

Loch Lomond is the biggest loch in Scotland and it’s arguably the nation’s most beautiful. Taking a cruise is the best way to discover the loch’s romantic soul. You’ll no doubt sail past the awe-inspiring Ben Lomond and the jagged shoulders of the Arrochar Alps. If you fancy travelling under your own steam, there’s kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.

MUST-RIDE

Whatever your ability, cycling is the best way to explore the National Park. There’s loads of options for relaxed days out with the family or gnarly mountain biking with tough terrain. Another park worth discovering is Balloch Castle Country Park on the southern tip of the loch, in West Dunbartonshire. It’s one of Scotland’s finest public spaces with 200 acres of woodland, gardens, meadows, play parks and shoreline, ideal for exploring on bike.

Mountain biking at Loch Lomond

from your saddle

Challenge yourself on hill climbs around the Ochils surrounded by stunning scenery. If you prefer a more leisurely approach or child friendly pace, plan a route through country parks, historical landmarks and the site where we are building our exciting new Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School.

Scan the QR code and choose your destination from the maps: https://weewalkweecycle.org/

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Perth and Kinross

The Gateway to the Highlands is as gorgeous as anywhere in Scotland, with endless natural beauty to appreciate and explore.

Just one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, Perthshire is known as the Gateway to the Highlands, the perfect starting point for familyfriendly days out or adrenaline-fuelled outdoor activities. A great race will take place here too as the region hosts the Gran Fondo Road Race

Scottish Borders

MUST-DO

The fair city of Perth was Scotland’s ancient capital for five centuries. Sitting on the River Tay, it’s as beautiful as it’s ever been. There’s monuments, museums, art galleries, markets and parks aplenty, making it the perfect place to escape for a day or two.

MUST-SEE

Explore the royal grounds of Scottish kings at Scone Palace, where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and

DID YOU KNOW

The River Tay is the longest river in Scotland, flowing for 192km.

Charles II were once crowned. It also boasts pristine gardens and peaceful woodlands - stay for a picnic and you might even see a peacock or two.

MUST-RIDE

Comrie Croft is one of Scotland’s best trail centres with unique accommodation options including ecocamping. You’ll find handbuilt, technical trails at Dunkeld & Birnam. Or if you fancy something slower paced, Loch Ordie is a classic mountain bike route.

The landscape is as generous as the people of the Scottish Borders with rolling hills, open countryside, peaceful rivers and spellbinding coastline.

It’s serene, for sure, but there’s adventure to be found in the Borders too. Explore ancient abbeys and castles, then up the adrenaline with a visit to Glentress or Innerleithen, the region’s famed 7stanes mountain biking centres. This is where the world’s best mountain bikers will be in attendance for the MTB Marathon and Cross-country events.

MUST-DO

Glentress Forest is home to the flagship 7stanes centre with trails to suit everyone from families to rookies to rainbow jersey winners. Whatever level of cyclist you are, you’ll feel the passion for the sport in every twist and turn of these world class trails. Don’t have a bike with you? No bother with bike hire. And for those that don’t fancy a cycle, there’s the Go Ape Peebles course, home of the highest zip wire in Scotland.

MUST-SEE

A coastal haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers and walkers, St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve is known as a ‘seabird city’ where thousands of birds nest. Apart from the birds, fresh sea air and epic views await everyone who ventures to this remote clifftop beauty spot. Also one for Marvel fans who may know St Abb’s as New Asgard.

MUST-RIDE

The Tweed Valley Forest Park is one of the best mountain biking destinations in Scotland, and you’ll soon

see why. A great day out is joining the dots between gorgeous little towns on the banks of the River Tweed. Make sure you stop for coffee and cake at some of the cute cafes on the way.

FAST FACT

2020 Mountain Bike Downhill UCI World Champion, Reece Wilson, hails from the Scottish Borders.

7stanes

Mountain biking at 7stanes

Stirling

MUST-SEE

Standing proudly on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig hilltop, overlooking the fields where William Wallace led his troops into battle, the National Wallace Monument is a 67ft-high tower commemorating the life of the patriot who came to be saluted as Scotland’s National Hero.

MUST-RIDE

The storied city of Stirling will make history once more as it hosts the Road Individual Time Trials at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Situated in the heart of Scotland and only a short train journey from Glasgow and Edinburgh, Stirling is well placed, and well equipped, for visitors.

From the historic centre to the leafy Trossachs, there’s plenty to see, do and cycle in and around the city.

MUST-DO

Featuring spectacular sculptures and gorgeous gardens, Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most significant former royal courts – a tour is essential for history buffs.

The Islands

With miles of winding coastline, stunning paradise beaches and fascinating rare wildlife, Scotland’s islands are a treasure trove of natural wonders.

There may be no UCI World Championships taking place off the mainland, but Scotland’s many islands are the perfect places to make your own adventure. Set off

FAST FACT

Foot passengers pay less for ferry travel than cars, and most companies will let you take the bike on board for free.

on an epic trip north to Orkney and the Shetland Isles, spend a few days exploring the Outer Hebrides or take a day trip to Skye or Arran. Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed the most romantic vistas and unforgettable rides.

MUST-DO

If you’re as fascinated by history as you are by cycling, Scotland’s Northern Isles are well worth the journey, with some of the world’s oldest architecture and magnificent archaeological sites. On Orkney, discover the wonderful character of Kirkwall and Stromness and don’t miss the extraordinary causeways of the Churchill Barriers, while the wilds of

FAST FACT

This won’t be the first Individual Time Trial held in Stirling. Chris Boardman won the Individual Time Trial as part of the PruTour here in 1998.

As well as the nearby Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, there are plenty of opportunities to get on your bike in and around Stirling. And there’s something for every ability, from the quiet country roads of the Teith Valley to the stunning scenery of the Loch Katrine loop to the more challenging Cambusbarron and North Third trails.

far-flung Shetland are well worth the trip.

MUST-SEE

As magical as it is daunting, the dramatic landscape of Skye has to be seen to be appreciated. Travel offseason for the well-trodden tourist trail taking in Dunvegan Castle and the Fairy Pools, or get away from

it all by climbing the Cuillins or taking a ferry to the deserted beaches of Raasay.

MUST-RIDE

For serious riders, the Hebridean Way offers an irresistible challenge. Spanning the length of the Outer Hebrides island chain, the epic long-distance route is 185 miles long, but you can tackle a shorter section such as Vatersay to Barra, which takes in some of Scotland’s most stunning beaches. For a more easily accessible cycling adventure, hop across to Arran where the diverse mountain and forest landscapes have led it to be described as a miniature Scotland.

>> For help planning your trip to any of Scotland’s stunning regions, head to visitscotland.com

The view from Dumyat

On bike!your

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You’ll be in good company Statistics from Cycling Scotland suggest 35% of us now cycle for work or leisure, while research of almost 10,000 people within Scotland’s cities reports over 21% of us cycle at least once a week. Great news for the humble bike – and our legs!

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Your heart will thank you for it

Cycling is a terrific form of aerobic exercise. Road and track cyclists will spin their pedals at more than 100 revolutions per minute. Mountain bikers pedal less, but they have to work hard to get up those hills. Whatever type of bike you’re on, those turns of the crank will give your cardiovascular system and major muscle groups one hell of a workout.

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It’ll keep you in shape

Even a 30-minute commute to work several times a week, at a moderate intensity, can aid weight loss. Shorter, more intense workouts will strengthen muscles, including your hamstrings, glutes (bum) and quadriceps.

You can take it slow

Gentle or moderately paced cycling can be great if you are recovering from injury, or just starting on your cycling journey, and don’t wish to overload the joints. Don’t forget to warm up and include some post-ride stretches.

5

It boosts your mood

As the wheels turn and your heart rate elevates (particularly on a hill!) your brain will release those lovely feel-good endorphins. That’s the beauty of cycling. Whether you are on a brief commute, enjoying a cycle tour with friends, flowing down some tree-lined singletrack on your mountain bike, or simply pedalling round the local park, it’s great for your mental wellbeing.

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It’s easier than you might think 8% of people have cited ‘lack of fitness’ as a key barrier to cycling, but the likes of battery assisted e-bikes and smart engineering applied to adaptive bikes is making Scotland’s great outdoors accessible to more potential cyclists.

Scotland offers plenty of cycling opportunities for the whole family.

As Eddy Merckx, the Belgian cycling great once famously quipped: “Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.”

Feeling inspired by the Championships? You don’t need to be eyeing the podium to benefit from taking to two wheels. Here’s a few very good reasons to give cycling a go…

7 There’s something to suit everyone

Over 1.8 million bikes were sold in the UK last year and from e-bikes to traditional road, BMX downhill, enduro, gravel, hybrid and commuter bikes, there’s a bike for every age and level of ability. Whether it’s a women-only coaching session, a mountain bike club for kids, or a full-blown road cycling sportive, there’s a form of cycling for everyone.

FIND OUT MORE

If we’ve tempted you to get pedalling, here are some helpful links to switch it up a gear…

FOR EVERYONE:

To find a club or event near you, check out: www.scottishcycling.org.uk or www.britishcycling.org.uk.

Letsride.co.uk includes women-only rides led by Breeze Champions.

Limitless is a British and Scottish Cycling programme creating a pathway for disabled people into all forms of cycling. You can find out more at www.scottishcycling.org.uk.

FOR KIDS: Bikeability

Scotland is the national cycle training programme for school children: www.cycling.scot/ bikeability.scotland.

Go-Ride Clubs can be found throughout Scotland and offer a fun, inclusive and safe environment for U18 riders. Over 90% of the Great Britain Cycling Team started out in a Go-Ride Club! More info at www.britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride.

FOR MENTAL HEALTH:

Trail Therapy is an innovative mountain-bike based intervention programme that supports those with a diagnosed mental health condition. Find out more at dmbins.com/health/ trail-therapy.

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It’s simple to get started

Aside from a bike, helmet and a water bottle, all you need is a can-do attitude to have wheelie good fun. How often should you ride? That’s up to you. As Eddy Merckx, the Belgian cycling great once famously quipped: “Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.”

IMAGE: VISITSCOTLAND

#BikeandBlether is a partnership programme between Scottish Association for Mental Health and Scottish Cycling that encourages club and non-club riders to talk about mental health. More info at www.britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride.

FOR COACHING:

In almost every part of Scotland you can find fully qualified mountain bike leaders and coaches to support your riding development. In the Scottish Borders, check out the likes of www. trailtec.uk.com / www.dirtschool.co.uk and www.ridelines.co.uk.

THE RAINBOW FACTORY

Over recent years, Great Britain has established itself as a trusted and welcoming host of our sport’s showpiece events, with fans able to enjoy the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Grand Départ and a plethora of UCI Cycling World Championships on their doorstep.

In part, this has been triggered by the phenomenal and unprecedented success which British riders have enjoyed across our sport’s varied disciplines. These talented and committed athletes are sure to create even more special memories over the next 11 days of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

“Creating a lasting legacy for our sport”

JON DUTTON OBE

British Cycling’s CEO shares his view on the important impact of hosting the Championships

Our reputation as a good host country is also down to our commitment to delivering a tangible and lasting legacy for our events. This ensures that the impact of hosting is felt throughout our clubs and communities long after the final rider has crossed the line.

Thanks to this event by the Scottish Government and sportscotland, £8 million will be invested into Scottish cycling facilities, benefitting riders across the country for years to come.

Of course, the most important part of our events is you – the fans. What really sets our country apart is the cacophony of noise you create in the velodrome, your encouragement on the roadside and mountainside, and the overwhelming sense of joy and community you create.

I hope you enjoy your time at the Championships. I’ve no doubt you’ll do us proud, once again.

“What really sets our country apart is the cacophony of noise you create in the velodrome, your encouragement on the roadside and mountainside, and the overwhelming sense of joy and community you create”

THE NEXT GENERATION

Could your child be a UCI World Champion one day?

We want to encourage as many young people as possible to get on their bikes and discover the joy of racing. That’s why we’ve been working with Scottish Cycling to host the best part of 50 grassroots events taking place right up until October. Hosted by schools, clubs and community groups in every corner of Scotland, the events all centre around having fun and giving young riders their first taste of fast-paced cycling.

(SXC) 2023. On the thrilling trails at Comrie Croft in Perthshire, the Ride The Worlds Team delivered a fun race for Under 10 and Under 8 riders.

Among the many exciting events to follow, there was a skills-based session organised by the Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club in support of the UCI Gravel Series event at The Gralloch, and a special session at the grand opening of the West Lothian Cycle Circuit. We spoke to two of the young riders taking to the new route in Linlithgow…

“For people who are learning how to race or even learning how to ride, it will be really good because there’s no cars, no potholes, no gravel, nothing to worry about apart from you, the bike and learning your skills,” said Mairi, before speeding off on her own bike.

Local boy Rocco agreed. “I think it’s incredible,” he said. “It’s really good that they’re bringing

BELOW

(clockwise)

Budding cyclists at the Race The Worlds Pump Track qualifier in Kennoway; A rider in Hawick competes for a place in the Pump Track Final; Primary school pupils at Morrison’s Academy out for a ride in the local area

something to Linlithgow because the only trails around here are Beecraigs. This is going to be good for young people getting into biking a lot more.”

Also at the launch event was Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport. “This is a fabulous, off-road safe route that is suitable for people of all abilities, even tiny children,” she said. “There are some tiny children out on it today! It is an excellent asset and beautifully located in Scotland so people in the local area can use it, but so can folk from all over the central belt.”

Investing in the future

“We’re really proud that the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have been the impetus for such a great legacy project here at the West Lothian Cycle Circuit,” said Trudy Lindblade, CEO of the

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. “We know that there will be people for years to come using this facility, and we might even create the next champion from this very circuit.”

The West Lothian Cycle Circuit is just one of the exciting new projects funded by an £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund from the Scottish Government and sportscotland. We have also established our own Community Cycling Fund — as part of a joint initiative with EventScotland and sportscotland — to deliver grassroots initiatives creating lasting benefits for people across Scotland. A diverse range of community projects from mountain biking in the Highlands to a pump track in the Scottish Borders will share these funds to make their cycling dreams a reality.

An education in cycling

Scottish Cycling are also working in partnership with schools throughout Scotland to bring more opportunities for children to get on their bikes and develop their skills. One such project coming soon

RIGHT

(clockwise) A rider competes in the Race The Worlds Pump Track qualifier in Kennoway; Morrison’s Academy pupil Ben showcases his skills; Local schools attend The Power of the Bike Challenge event at Emirates Arena; Pupils take part in skills sessions led by Scottish Cycling BELOW Competition is fierce at the Mini-Downhill qualifer in Newcastleton

is the inaugural Scottish Schools’ Mountain Bike Championships, organised with Morrison’s Academy in Crieff and Comrie Croft MTB Centre. Taking place on 14 September 2023, this will be a Cross-country event with competitors in three age categories, each of which will feature individual girls’ and boys’ races as well as a team race. Hoping to make the event as inclusive as possible, there will also be a Ride The Worlds event, ‘Rock Up and Ride’, which includes coaching and a mini race for pupils new to the sport.

One Morrison’s Academy pupil who will be competing is Ben, who believes it is opportunities like this which have helped him discover a passion for mountain biking. “Grassroots events have enabled me to progress to racing across the UK at a national level,” he says. “Along the way, I have made so many new friends, who I otherwise wouldn’t have known, and learned skills that I can apply to all aspects of my life. Above all, it is enormous fun and I’m so excited about having the chance to represent my school in the competition.”

The power of imagination

We have also linked up with Education Scotland to deliver The Power of the Bike Challenge, a creativity and design project looking for innovative ideas and solutions to release the power of the bike for all of us. We asked pupils and community groups to work as teams to develop their own creative ideas and products to make cycling better. Their young minds came up with some great ideas from clever hacks to make schools and communities more bike friendly, to new designs for BMX or mountain biking courses, and even smart ideas for innovative new cycling businesses. Keep your eyes peeled for some of these brilliant ideas on display at the venues during the Championships.

Everyone who rides an Experience The Worlds event between now and October could win a whole host of cycling goodies. Interested? Find out which events are happening near you here: www.bit.ly/etwbc

Race The Worlds

For keen young riders, it is a dream to race at a UCI World Championships Venue. Scottish Cycling decided to make this dream come true with the Race The Worlds programme – a series of races taking place at the official venues moments before the real deal.

To earn their place at the starting line, budding champs competed in Race The Worlds regional qualifiers which took place across Scottish Cycling’s five regions this spring. Open to all young people, no matter their ability level or aspirations, the qualifiers identified a lucky few who will compete at the Race The Worlds Finals.

Speaking of the opportunity, Team Scotland’s Commonwealth Games Road Race bronze medallist, Finn Crockett, said: “I wish this opportunity had been available when I was a youth rider! My cycling journey started out in dirt crits up in the North of Scotland, before progressing to MTB racing and later the road. It was all about having fun, and enjoying my cycling, and this looks pretty awesome!”

If you want to see the next Isla Short, Reece Wilson or indeed Finn Crockett start their own journey to a rainbow jersey, don’t miss the Race The Worlds Finals at The Championships.

MINI DOWNHILL FINAL Fri 4 August, Nevis Range. Open to ticket holders.

DIRT CRIT FINAL Sun 6 August, Glentress Forest. Open to all, no ticket required.

ROAD CRIT FINAL Mon 7 August, George Square. Open to all, no ticket required.

PUMP TRACK FINAL Sat 12 August, Cathkin Braes. Open to all, no ticket required.

For more info, visit www.bit.ly/bcrtw

“Grassroots events have enabled me to progress to racing at a national level … I’ve learned skills that I can apply to all aspects of my life”

The Governors of Morrison’s Academy, known as Morrison’s Academy, is an independent school for boys and girls, founded in 1860. The School’s Scottish Charity Number is: SC000458.

Meet the Champs Clan

It takes a lot of people power to pull off the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. The unsung heroes are our volunteers, who help keep things running safely and smoothly. But what’s in it for them?

CYNTHIA KAVETJIUA TJIPUKA

“Volunteering has positively impacted my life in such an unimaginable way! I regained my self-confidence and discovered so much about myself. I became a very social person, and learned to interact with people from all walks of life”

Cynthia had her first taste of volunteering during COP26 in 2021. Now, she can’t get enough! That first experience opened her eyes to different cultural backgrounds, as well as teaching her about the environment and measures we can all take to combat climate change – like swapping the car for a bike. Cynthia hopes The Championships will showcase Scotland’s beauty, prove that Glasgow is a great host city, and – of course –amplify the power of the bike!

FIONA REDDICK

“You are surrounded by people doing what they love so it’s very upbeat. I always finish the day feeling that I’ve contributed to something and had a lot of fun at the same time”

A former Mountain Bike Cross-country competitive cyclist, Fiona still wanted to be involved in cycling after she stopped competing so she started helping out at local races, before signing up to volunteer at national and international events. She sees volunteering as a golden opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people, have fun and boost confidence.

JEN SWAN

“Volunteering gives me a massive sense of achievement. It’s given me great pleasure to give my time and to see others’ enjoyment and participation as a result. I’d recommend volunteering to anyone!”

Veteran volunteer Jen has been helping out at sports events since her teens. Her journey began 40 years ago, when she organised her village badminton group. No stranger to life on two wheels, Jen is as passionate about cycling as she is volunteering. She hopes The Championships inspire more people in Scotland to start cycling.

SCOTTISH SCHOOLS’ MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS

14 September 2023, Comrie Croft MTB Centre, Perthshire

Morrison’s Academy, Comrie Croft and Scottish Cycling look forward to welcoming riders to the inaugural Scottish Schools’ Mountain Bike Championships.

morrisonsacademy.org

Proud to weave the UCI Cycling World Championship Tartan

... from kilt to catwalk

Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop

Ribhuachan, Strathcarron Wester Ross IV54 8YS joy@lochcarron.com | +44 (0)1520 722212

The Lochcarron Visitor Centre

Waverley Mill, Rogers Road, Selkirk TD7 5DX visit@Lochcarron.com | +01750 726100

www.lochcarron.com

hello@lochcarron.com | +44 (0)1750 726025

The Governors of Morrison’s Academy, known as Morrison’s Academy, is an independent school for boys and girls, founded in 1860. The School’s Scottish Charity Number is: SC000458.

The next best thing to a rainbow jersey? We like to think so...

CHECK IT OUT

To celebrate the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in true Scottish tradition, we have created an official tartan, and our very own tweed, quite literally weaving ourselves into the very fabric of Scotland.

The tartan

“We are privileged to be the first ever nation to host this event, so it seems fitting that a unique tartan be created for it,” said Paul Bush OBE, Chair of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. “By having a unique and officially registered tartan, it will create a moment in history for the Championships that will be on record for centuries.”

The tartan has been approved as an official tartan by the Scottish Tartans Authority and will be listed on the Register of Scottish Tartans, administered by the National Records of Scotland. It’s serious stuff this tartan lark, and that’s why we got the best weavers in the business to create it for us.

“We wanted to create a tartan design that was dynamic and distinctive,” said Dawn Robson-Bell, Managing Director of Lochcarron of Scotland. “Using the rainbow jersey as our inspiration and pairing this with the Scottish Saltire, we feel we have a tartan which will be part of the legacy of this amazing event.”

The tweed

From royal hunting garb to Chanel suits, Harris Tweed® is another fabric which has a prestigious and long-standing connection to Scotland. But for their design for the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds, Harris Tweed Hebrides sought a far more modern inspiration.

“We decided that a stepped herringbone was the best pattern as it reflects the distinctive shape of tyre tracks,” explains Creative Director Mark Hogarth (pictured left, modelling the cap). “Our talented young designer Beth Wilson picked out deep blue yarn tones that create an enduring and classically Scottish Harris Tweed® design.”

Created by hand in the historic Shawbost Mill on the Outer Hebrides, the luxurious pure wool tweed is a cut above your average merch, to appeal to the most discerning of cycling fans.

Now we shop!

Yes, that’s right, we may not be able to give you a rainbow jersey, but we can give you a tartan blanket! Or a tartan scarf. Or even a matching tweed jacket and cap. All of these stylish, and high-quality, items will be available to buy at the event, or online at shop.cyclingworldchamps.com.

ABOVE The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships tartan being created by the skilled weavers at Lochcarron of Scotland BELOW The tweed begins to come together in the mixer at Shawbost Mill; The finished tweed cap makes a dapper accessory

1839

Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a blacksmith from Dumfries & Galloway, is widely credited with the invention of the treadle bicycle (below). The rest is two-wheeled history.

1881

Hawick Cycling Club forms. The Borders club remains one of the oldest cycling clubs in Scotland.

1888

John Boyd Dunlop (right), a Scottish veterinarian from Ayrshire, patents the first pneumatic tyre for a bicycle. It’s unclear when the first puncture was recorded.

From

A Brief History of Cycling

1920s-1930s

Scots could purchase a bike for around £4 for their commute to work.

1939-1945

The Women’s Land Army in Scotland extensively use bicycles to move around the countryside during WW2.

1952

The Scottish National Cyclists’ Union (SNCU), the Scottish Cyclists’ Union (SCU) and Scottish Amateur Cycling Association (SACA) amalgamate to form the Scottish Cyclists’ Union (SCU); now known as Scottish Cycling.

1961

Ken Laidlaw of Hawick Cycling Club becomes the first Scot to finish the Tour de France.

1982

At six years old, Edinburghborn Sir Chris Hoy MBE is inspired to start riding a BMX after seeing the film E.T. He is later recognised as the world’s most successful track cyclist with six Olympic gold medals, two Commonwealth and 11 World titles.

1984

Robert Millar (above), finishes fourth in the Tour de France, winning the coveted polka dot King of the Mountains jersey.

1993

‘Flying Scotsman’ and time trial specialist Graeme Obree (below) breaks the World Hour Record (51.596km) on his ‘Old Faithful’ bike, and is crowned UCI World

intrepid inventors to trailblazing riders, the evolution of cycling in Scotland is a story of ingenuity and good old-fashioned blood, sweat and tears

1990s

From Sutherland to Dumfries & Galloway, pioneering trail builders begin the evolution of Scotland’s world class mountain bike trails.

2004

Paisley-born Paralympian

Aileen McGlynn OBE (above) breaks the flying 200m women’s tandem world record, with her pilot Ellen Hunter. She goes on to win a haul of records and medals, including eight golds in Paralympic Games, UCI Para-Cycling World Championships on road and track, and European Championship competitions.

2005

The official opening of the purpose built 7stanes mountain biking trail network (Glentress/ Innerleithen, Ae, Mabie, Kirroughtree, Dalbeattie, Glentrool and Newcastleton) within Forestry and Land Scotland forests (below).

2007

Borders ace Ruaridh Cunningham becomes the first British rider to be crowned Men Junior UCI Downhill Mountain Bike Champion at the UCI World Champs at Nevis Range.

2009

After a short-lived career in athletics, Aberdeen’s Neil Fachie OBE enters the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championship for the first time. With his pilot, he takes the first two of many gold medals, setting a new world record in the Kilo.

2011

Peebles Cycling Club (PCC) becomes the largest mountain bike kids’ club in the United Kingdom with almost 100 young riders joining each week. The club is still going strong.

2013

Scottish cyclist Katie Archibald MBE (right) makes her GB debut at the European Track Championships, winning the gold medal in the Team Pursuit, and breaking the record twice. Today, she has a haul of 20 golds at the European Track Championships, an all-time record.

2017

Scottish long-distance rider Mark Beaumont sets a new world record for cycling round the world, completing the over 18,000-mile journey in 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes.

2018

Highland lass Jenny Graham smashes the women’s around the world cycling record, completing her self-supported 18,413-mile journey in just 124 days!

2020

Borders man Reece Wilson (above) blasts down the course to win the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Leogang, Austria.

2020

The late Rab Wardell, coach and Commonwealth Games cyclist, sets a new West Highland Way record (96 miles) of just 9 hours, 14 minutes and 32 seconds.

2022

91-year-old cyclist Rita Montgomery receives the prized Scottish Cycling Badge of Honour from Scottish Cycling, in recognition of a lady who championed women’s cycling in Scotland long before it was popular or given parity.

2023

The UCI Cycling World Championships takes place for the first time in Glasgow and across Scotland.

UCI Cycling World Championships

IMAGES: WIKI CC; SWPIX; ALAMY; FACEBOOK; VISITSCOTLAND / KENNY LAM

GLASGOW: A UCI BIKE CITY SINCE 2019

Glasgow’s vision is to create a vibrant bike-friendly city where cycling is accessible, safe and attractive to all. This vision is part of an overall effort to make the city more liveable, and has led to the development of a new Transport Strategy, Active Travel Strategy and Liveable Neighbourhoods Plan. By delivering a practical city network and encouraging positive community engagement, Glasgow is transforming its streets into welcoming environments for all bike users. Residents are encouraged to choose active travel as their preferred means of transport, in line with the city’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2030.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be a catalyst in Glasgow and throughout Scotland to inspire real and lasting change in people’s approach to cycling as a sport, a healthy transport solution and a powerful tool against climate change and other global threats.

UCI BIKE CITY LABEL

MORE INFORMATION

www.uci.org

CONTACT

cyclingforall@uci.ch

The UCI’s mission is to develop and promote cycling as a competitive sport, as a healthy recreational activity and as a sustainable means of transport, accessible to all.

The UCI Bike City label recognises cities and regions that not only host major UCI cycling events but also demonstrate outstanding commitment to cycling for all.

MILLION MILE CHALLENGE

Grab your bike, set your goal and win big

To celebrate the biggest cycling event in the world EVER, we’ve teamed up with Love to Ride to challenge everyone to hop on their bikes and help us complete an epic 23 million miles. Getting involved is easy: simply register with Love to Ride, hit the saddle and start logging those miles. It doesn’t matter if you contribute 1 or 100 miles, any rider who contributes towards our grand total will automatically be eligible to win incredible prizes from the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds and our amazing partners.

Now is your chance. Now is our moment.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. Set up an account at lovetoride.net

2. Log a ride on your profile to contribute to the total. Any kind of ride counts – to school, to the store, to work, or around the park

3. Everyone who logs a ride goes into the prize draw – the more days you ride, the more chances you have to win

4. You have until the end of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs to reach the target (13 August)

5. Encourage more people to get involved to help us reach our 23 Million Mile goal!

WHAT IS LOVE TO RIDE?

Love to Ride is an online community cycling platform. People can log trips, post photos and stories, and take part in engaging campaigns throughout the year. We use a combination of prizes, incentives, local information and social features to support people to cycle more confidently, more often and for transport.

WHAT PRIZES ARE AVAILABLE?

⋆ 2 x £50 Gift Vouchers for merchandise

⋆ Santini Rainbow Jersey signed by the 2022 UCI Track World Champions

⋆ Santini Rainbow Jersey signed by the 2021 UCI Urban World Champions

⋆ 8 x 12 Month Zwift Memberships

⋆ Wahoo Computers (1 x Elemnt Roam & 1 x Elemnt Bolt)

⋆ Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer

For more information and full terms & conditions, please visit www.bit.ly/23mmc

FEAT TITLEGRAN FONDO

DATE 4 August 2023

DISTANCE 160.3km

TOTAL ELEVATION 1663m START/FINISH Perth

WOMEN JUNIOR ROAD RACE

MEN JUNIOR ROAD RACE

DATE 5 August 2023 DISTANCE 127.2km TOTAL ELEVATION 1865m START/FINISH George Sq, Glasgow Five laps Nine laps

MEN ELITE ROAD RACE

TEAM TIME TRIAL MIXED RELAY

PARA INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIALS

ROAD RACE PARA-CYCLING

PARA-CYCLING ROAD TEAM RELAY

13 August 2023

15.3km over 9 laps (1.7km per lap)

MEN UNDER 23 ROAD RACE

WOMEN ELITE ROAD RACE

ALL THE DETAILS

For information on all routes including profiles see www.cyclingworldchamps.com/championships

UCI MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The UCI Management Committee is the executive body that manages the Federation, acting under the authority of Congress. It meets at least twice a year, headed by the UCI President. Its tasks include executing the decisions of Congress, establishing regulations, awarding the organisation of the UCI World Championships and setting up commissions to help it carry out its mission.

PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENTS

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mr David Lappartient (FRA)

Mr Osama Ahmed Abdullah Al Shafar (UAE)

Dr Mohamed Wagih Azzam (EGY)

Mr Enrico Della Casa (ITA)

Ms Katerina Nash (CZE)

Mr Mohammed Ben El Mahi (MAR)

Mr Michel Callot (FRA)

Mr Rocco Cattaneo (SUI)

Mr Amarjit Singh Gill Darshan Singh (MAS)

Ms Anne Gripper (AUS)

Ms Daniela Isetti (ITA) Mr Henrik Jess Jensen (DEN)

Ms Agata Lang (POL) Mr José Luis Lopez Cerrón (ESP)

Mr Igor Viktorovich Makarov (RUS)

Mr Tony Mitchell (NZL)

Mr José Manuel Pelaez (CUB)

Ms Sonia Gregoria Ramos Acuña (BOL)

Ms Yuan Yuan (CHN)

A vehicle for change

The next five years are critical for accelerating the transformative changes needed to halve global carbon emissions by 2030 and avoid the very worst consequences of climate change. As a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will engage with these challenges by taking action to minimise our environmental impacts wherever possible.

As a purpose-led event, we are committed to embedding sustainability into our organisation, collaborating with our partners, and supporting our value chain to drive progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Scotland (SDGs). Our sustainability framework has been mapped to indicators for measuring performance against contributions to the UN SDGs. We have social, economic and environmental goals in place that are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

OUR SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTS

Create solutions that facilitate the transition to a low carbon economy, and promote Scotland as the centre of circular economy innovation in support of the global sustainable development agenda. Raise awareness of the climate emergency, and empower local people to deliver a sustainable event and legacy.

Embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) considerations and practices within all 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships activities through an EDI framework.

Engage with new audiences to increase wider participation and advance Scotland as a cycling nation. Promote Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage to visitors across all regions, raise awareness of sustainable and responsible tourism principles and support the development of inclusive tourism in Scotland.

Champion Scotland as a Good Food Nation with nutritious, fresh and environmentally sustainable products.

To find out more, visit cyclingworldchamps.com/about/our-legacy/sustainability

Celebrate the #PowerOfTheBike for taking action on climate change, air pollution and improving health and well-being

Eliminate emissions wherever possible to deliver a low carbon event contributing towards Glasgow and Scotland’s Net-Zero goals aligned with the 1.5°C ambition of the Paris Agreement. Implement best practice and innovate to become a model for future events in Scotland and around the world.

Showcase Scottish nature, the pressures biodiversity faces and its importance for climate adaptation.

The bike can play a crucial role in tackling the climate crisis. Here’s how…

On track for adventure

Introducing ScotRail’s specially designed cycle carriages, made for your journey.

ScotRail’s Highland Explorer bike carriages are a UK-first. Specially designed for cyclists, they have dedicated space and storage for 20 bikes and 24 passengers. A game-changer for travellers who want to explore the stunning west coast of Scotland.

Fáilte, Bienvenue, Willkommen

To cycling on the Scottish Western Isles

For your next adventure visit calmac.co.uk/cyclingadventures