The inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3 to 13 August, will unite the world’s Elite for 13 separate UCI World Championships. But not only.
With “The Power of the Bike” one of the catch phrases of the competition, Scottish Cycling launched its “Ride the Worlds” programme at the beginning of this year. The programme, aimed at children and adults across the country, is divided into two main sections.
Experience the Worlds: give it a go
“Experience the Worlds” is providing opportunities for people across Scotland to give cycling a try, be it BMX Racing, mountain bike or road, on local tracks or secured circuits. The grassroots racing and club sessions give everyone a chance to participate in sessions led by experienced coaches. In addition, all participants had a chance to go into a ballot to win tickets to events at the UCI Cycling World Championships.
Race the Worlds: riding the UCI World Champs courses
As part of “Race the Worlds”, the more ambitious youngsters – Under-12, Under-14 and Under 16 - took part in qualification events during the spring giving them a chance to compete in one of the four finals for different disciplines. These will be held during the UCI Cycling World Championships at some of the venues of the Elite racing:
4 August – Fort William – Mini Down Hill
6 August – Glentress – Dirt Crit
7 August – Glasgow George Square – Road Crit
12 August – Cathkin Braes – Pump Track
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
For those attending the UCI Cycling World Championships who are not in racing mode, activities will be organised at various race venues to encourage people to have fun on their bikes, for example with street sprints, adaptive cycling and female-only Breeze rides.
As part of its Ride Together Pledge, the UCI Cycling World Championships is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. With this in mind, it will ensure that the majority of event venues are equipped with:
Quiet spaces
Accessible routes
Sensory bags to ensure that adults or children who might find the event atmosphere a bit overwhelming have tools to make it a more comfortable experience
Sanitary provisions to address period poverty or for anyone who may need it.
Cycling Facilities Fund
Meanwhile, with the support of the local cycling community, as well as SportScotland’s Cycling Facilities Fund, an all-ability Fort William Bike Park will be officially opened on 2 August, the day before the UCI Cycling Championships get underway. As well as a pumptrack where the local community can work to build confidence and skills, an adaptive track will cater to people with mobility challenges.
Fort William, meanwhile, will welcome the world’s Elite downhill riders for the UCI World Championships from 3 to 5 August.