The world’s best cyclists will savour some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery next year with the men’s and women’s road races taking in Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat.
For the first time ever, this unique competition – bringing together 13 existing UCI World Championships into a new mega event held in Glasgow and across Scotland – will also close with the Women Elite Road race on Sunday 13 August 2023.
Edinburgh and Loch Lomond were today (Friday 23 September) unveiled as official venues and starting locations for the Elite and Under 23 categories of the road races at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. The announcement was made at the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia.
The Men Elite Road race will be held on Sunday 6 August 2023 starting at Arthur’s Seat, and then progress through the Old Town, passing close to Edinburgh Castle before crossing the Firth of Forth and taking in the breathtaking coastline of Fife.
Riders, spectators and the global TV audience will next take in views including the stunning sculpture of The Kelpies and then the National Wallace Monument before proceeding down the popular cycling route of the Crow Road on the way to the thrilling, technical circuit in Glasgow, where they will finally cross the finish line alongside George Square in the heart of the city. There will be volunteering opportunities at all venues.
Paul Bush, Chair of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said:
“The announcement of Edinburgh and Loch Lomond as starting venues for the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, further demonstrate this is truly a pan-Scotland event for everyone to come along and enjoy.
“Glasgow and Scotland are global leaders in the delivery of innovative and world-class major events. Set against the backdrop of some of the country’s most iconic and spectacular cities and locations, these historic Championships are sure to capture the imagination of athletes, spectators and audiences around the world and showcase why we are the perfect stage for events.”
Scottish athlete Neah Evans who became the first Scottish woman to win three medals at the same Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer, including silver in the road race said:
“When I started cycling, I trained on the roads around Balloch. I’m so excited for the best riders in the world to compete in some of the most scenic surroundings of Scotland as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. It will be an honour for the Women Elite road race to draw the largest cycling event in history to a close.”
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities convener at City of Edinburgh Council said:
“We very much look forward to hosting a key event of the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships.
“Edinburgh’s architecture, recognised around the world will offer a beautiful backdrop to the city events highlight for 2023, as both resident and visiting cyclists and enthusiasts come to see and support the sport’s elite. As well as the visual spectacle of the Championships, the event will also help to support and amplify the City Mobility Plan and promote active and sustainable travel.
“As with previous cycling events in the city, the race will be managed in full consultation with our Public Safety and Roads Teams, as well as Police Scotland and summer festival partners, to ensure a safe and exciting event can be enjoyed by all.”
Welcoming thousands of the world’s top cycling athletes as well as fans from around the globe, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will not only showcase the amazing venues and cities hosting events across the country but will also highlight Scotland as a top destination for elite cycling and cycling tourism.
The recently announced full schedule of events for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, including all 13 UCI World Championships can be found here.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will take place across 11 days from 3 to 13 August 2023 in venues and locations in Glasgow and across Scotland. This is the first time all 13 UCI World Championships will be combined into one mega-event, making it a cycling event unmatched in size and scale. More than a million spectators are anticipated as well as a global television audience in nore than 160 markets, making it one of the most significant events in the UK next summer.