Scotland ready for 'world's biggest cycling event' as tickets official released for the UCI Cycling World Championships

Scotland is gearing up to host “the biggest cycling event in the world” as tickets for the UCI Cycling World Championships officially went on sale.

The tournament, which will be the largest event in cycling history, kicks off on August 3 and will run for ten days with events being held at several venues across the country.

The chosen regions will see thousands of amateur and elite cycling athletes from more than 120 countries competing across the 13 UCI World Championships for the first time at the mega-event.

The huge sporting competition will welcome 2600 elite cyclists competing across road, indoor and track cycling, mountain biking and BMX races.

The championships, the first of their kind, could bring in an estimated £67m to the Scottish economy.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, cabinet secretary Angus Robertson and former BMX Racing UCI World Champion Shanaze Reade visited the Glasgow BMX Centre as tickets for the event officially went on sale to the general public on Wednesday.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “Hosting the first ever UCI Cycling World Championships is an excellent opportunity to showcase Scotland to the world, promote cycling and the many benefits it can bring. This global event will also deliver important economic benefits for communities throughout the country.

“While Glasgow is rightly recognised as an excellent and experienced host city, it’s fantastic to see these UCI World Championships taking place from Fort William to Dumfries and Galloway – and a variety of locations in between.

“This is a great opportunity for Scotland to build on our global reputation of hosting world class events.

“Tickets going on general sale is one way for people to get involved. However, we want members of the public to not only enjoy watching the many different types of events on offer but be inspired by the power of the bike to give cycling a try for themselves – for exercise, sport, transport or even just for fun.”

Glasgow Green, the Emirates Arena and George Square have been lined up to host some of the events at host city Glasgow over the course of the ten day tournament.

David Lappartient, UCI President, said: “Fans attending the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be part of an important chapter of our sport’s history.

“We are less than six months away from a momentous 11 days of racing and I would sincerely encourage people to get in quickly to be sure of witnessing some fantastic racing. I look forward to seeing the whole cycling family united in Scotland for this unprecedented event.”

Paul Bush, OBE, Chair of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will be a must-see moment enabling both athletes and spectators to experience a world first – something which has never been seen, nor cycled before.

“With over 8000 elite and amateur cyclists participating, bringing their bikes from more than 120 countries – the size and scale of what’s on offer in one mega event means there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“With the world’s greatest cyclists competing in the ultimate tests of talent, tenacity and toughness across eleven days – this is an incredible opportunity to witness history in the making.

“Having events of this size and scale in our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s position as a world-leading events destination and we look forward to welcoming everyone in August.”

Tickets can be purchased for the event at www.cyclingworldchamps.com/visit/tickets.