THE world’s biggest cycling event can deliver a “lasting legacy” for Scotland, the Culture Secretary has said.
The country is set to welcome more than 2000 elite cyclists and para-cyclists from more than 100 countries when it hosts the UCI Cycling World Championships in August.
This year’s edition of the event will be the first time 13 world championships come together in one place at one time to compete.
The competition, hosted in Glasgow with events taking place across Scotland, will see cyclists compete for more than 190 UCI World Championship rainbow jerseys.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said it will be “more than just an event”, adding: “It will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the power of the bike and promote Scotland globally with over a million spectators expected to travel here to watch the Championships.
“As well as boosting tourism and supporting Scotland’s economy, this major and first-of-its-kind world event can have a lasting legacy. Through our £1 million Community Cycling Fund, we are already supporting sustainable cycling projects and local events to ensure as many communities across Scotland get involved.
He continued: “We want to inspire a new generation to cycle, helping more people to benefit from the mental and physical health benefits, as well as promoting active travel and helping reduce travel emissions.
"The UCI’s choice of Glasgow and Scotland to host this inaugural event reflects our proud history and expertise of delivering world-class major events. This will be a must-see moment in the 2023 calendar, uniting athletes and spectators around the world by bringing multiple cycling disciplines together for the first time ever.”
Trudy Lindblade, the chief executive officer of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said: “We want to deliver the most vibrant and inspiring event for everyone in and across Scotland and have more people ride bikes more often – increasing participation in any form. A key focus for the championships will be promoting the benefits of cycling to a younger and more diverse audience with women, children and young people at the heart of activity.
“Scotland truly is a perfect place for riding bikes, from vibrant towns and cities to beautiful coastlines. We want to ensure Scotland is a bucket list destination for cycling and will work closely with VisitScotland and our partners to promote cycle tourism options – such as cycle friendly hotels, advocating for safe places to ride and encouraging legacy investments – all while ensuring responsible tourism.”
