The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be the single biggest cycling event in history, involving more than 8000 athletes from 120 countries, with the 13 existing UCI Cycling World Championships brought together into one mega event for the first time.
The anticipated global TV audience will place the event in the top-10 most watched sporting events in the world, rivalling the Olympics and Commonwealth Games and placing Scotland and Stirling on the world stage as a destination for elite cycling and cycle tourism.
The Stirling area 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.
Covering up to 48km of roads, the Individual Time Trials will see riders set off from the King and Queen’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 finish through the city to the finish on the Castle esplanade.
Three of the Road Races will also pass through the 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.
More details about all the routes to pass through the Stirling area, including maps, can be found at www.stirling.gov.uk/ucichamps.
Proud and excited
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “The announcement of the full road routes shows how Stirling will take centre stage for this unprecedented sporting spectacular.
“We are proud and excited to be hosting the Individual Time Trials, an exhilarating test for the world’s best cyclists, taking in Stirling’s historic city centre and stunning countryside, with an unforgettable finish at the Stirling Castle esplanade.
“People will be able to watch riders race against the clock for free from the roadside, while the best of Stirling will be shown to a global audience. This will deliver a wide range of lasting economic and social benefits to the area, inspiring more people of all ages to embrace pedal power and encourage a more active and healthy lifestyle.”
While the Road Races on 6, 12 and 13 August will only require short-term rolling road closures, to ensure the Individual Time Trials can take place safely, certain roads will be closed for extended periods.
Letters have been issued to residents impacted by the Individual Time Trials and relevant community councils and community groups have also been contacted.
These communications have included information about the first round of community drop-in sessions which start on 29 May and are listed below.
Fully engaging with communities
Cllr Kane continued: “Now that the road routes have been confirmed, all the event partners are committed to fully engaging with communities in Stirling impacted by the Individual Time Trials and the other road races.
“Open and regular dialogue will be vital to minimise disruption and ensure our residents and businesses can seize the many opportunities to get involved in this thrilling event.
“So please come along to the drop-in sessions for the Individual Time Trials to discuss any specific requirements and ask any questions you may have.”
Drop-in sessions
The first set of drop-in sessions have been arranged for residents and businesses impacted by the Time Trials. They will run from 2.30pm until 7.30pm and will be held on the following dates at the venues noted below:
- Monday 29 May – Cowane Centre, Stirling
- Tuesday 30 May – Gargunnock Community Centre
- Friday 2 June – Cambusbarron Library
- Tuesday 6 June – Albert Halls Stirling
- Wednesday 7 June – Kippen Reading Rooms
- Thursday 8 June – Thornhill Community Hall.
Further information
More information, including addresses for the drop-in session venues, is available at www.stirling.gov.uk/ucichamps and the full event schedule can be accessed by visiting: www.cyclingworldchamps.com.