Stirling will stage the Individual Time Trials from Wednesday 9 August to Friday 11 August for all categories – Men Elite, Women Elite, U23 Men and Men and Women Juniors.
No one is better qualified to comment on the route than Boardman, a former Olympic Champion and time trial specialist, who won the inaugural Men's World Time Trial Championship in 1994 and multiple stages of the Tour de France during a glittering career.
Boardman also has personal experience of competitive racing in Stirling after claiming victory in the 1998 Pru Tour of Britain Individual Time Trial, which also finished within the grounds of Stirling Castle.
Ancient setting lent theatre
The 54-year-old, who will be covering the Individual Time Trials for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships from the commentary box for the BBC, said: “I remember the final kilometre of the time trial in the 1998 Pru-Tour, bouncing up the cobbles to the gates of Stirling Castle.
“The road was lined with thousands of people enjoying the spectacle and watching the seconds of the big clock tick over to see who’d covered the distance in the fastest time.
“It was a dramatic opener for that race, and the ancient setting lent theatre to what was already an exciting event, showing British racing at its very best.
“I can’t think of a better place for the Individual Time Trials at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to be held, and I’m looking forward to being there to commentate on the event for the BBC.”
Covering up to 48km of roads, the Individual Time Trials will see riders set off from the King’s Knot in the shadow of Stirling Castle, before heading out west into the countryside and looping back into Stirling’s historic city centre, with a sprint through the city to the finish on the Castle esplanade.
Riders at Stirling Bike Club – one of the largest and most active cycling clubs in Scotland with more than 400 members – have been testing the Individual Time Trial routes since they were announced.
A bit of everything
Jim Prentice, Chair of Stirling Bike Club said: “The Individual Time Trials course in Stirling is fantastic. It’s got a bit of everything: flat, straight sections where you can build a rhythm and twisty, undulating sections that grab your attention – all in a mix of rural and urban roads.
“For spectators, the route has great vantage points, particularly in and around the four villages where the races passes through, and especially the final cobbled climb up to the historic Stirling Castle.
“It’s all taking place in some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland. What’s not to like!”
With less than three weeks to go until the start of the Time Trials on Wednesday 9 August, excitement is building as Stirling prepares to take centre stage for the biggest cycling event in history.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will involve more than 8000 elite and amateur athletes from more than 120 countries, with the 13 existing UCI World Championships being brought together into one mega event for the first time.
Over 1 million spectators are anticipated to attend the Championships across the full programme, while the TV broadcast will reach more than 120 countries. The anticipated global TV audience will place Scotland on the world stage as a destination for elite cycling and cycle tourism.
Eyes of the world
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “The eyes of the world will be on Stirling between 9-11 August as the best cyclists on the planet race against the clock to claim the gold medal and the famous rainbow jersey.
“Stirling’s stunning landscape and picturesque rural communities will be a dramatic backdrop as the riders push themselves to the limit before they cross the finishing line in the shadow of Stirling Castle.
“This will the biggest sporting event in Stirling’s history and we can’t wait to welcome visitors, the athletes and the international media to our beautiful city and surrounding areas.”
Amazing opportunity
Trudy Lindblade, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships CEO, said: “We are so excited to be bringing the Individual Time Trials to Stirling at part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
"The city and surrounding countryside will provide the perfect stage for some truly epic battles as riders race against the clock to try and claim the coveted rainbow jersey”.
“We thank Stirling Council and its communities for allowing us to bring this first-time global event to your region. The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is set to be the biggest cycling event ever held and is an amazing opportunity to showcase Stirling and Scotland as a world-class events destination.
“I look forward to seeing the streets and roads lined with people as they cheer on the best cyclists in the world in their race for the world title.”
Letters and drop-ins
To ensure the Individual Time Trials can take place safely, certain roads will be closed for extended periods.
A second round of letters are being issued to impacted residents and businesses about road closures and other key event information, while relevant community councils and community groups have also been contacted.
More community drop-in information sessions are also being held with communities along the route.
Road Races and more information on the event
Three of the Road Races at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will also pass through the Stirling area – Men Elite (Sunday 6 August), U23 Men (Saturday 12 August) and Elite Women (Sunday 13 August).
The Men Elite will start in Edinburgh and finish in Glasgow city centre, taking in the Carron Valley and Fintry, while the U23 Men and Women Elite will start in Balloch at the foot of Loch Lomond, before heading towards Drymen, Balfron and Fintry, with riders also crossing the line in Glasgow city centre.
These races will require short-term rolling road closures and affected residents and businesses will receive direct communications from event partners.
More information is available at www.stirling.gov.uk/ucichamps and yourstirling.com the full event schedule can be accessed by visiting: www.cyclingworldchamps.com.
Free summer holiday workshops have also been arranged for Stirling’s pupils to create banners and flags for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships’ events in the area. Details can be found here.
The 'Get Ready' section of www.cyclingworldchamps.com will act as a practical hub for local residents and businesses, while a new Business Guide has also been added for organisations across Scotland prepare for and welcome the Champs.