Record-breaking cyclist and endurance adventurer Mark Beaumont believes Stirling is a superb stage for the UCI Cycling World Championships’ Individual Time Trials.
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’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.
Mark Beaumont remains the fastest person to have cycled around the planet amongst other Guinness World Records. His adventures have taken him to over 100 countries over the past 20 years, making him one of the most respected ultra-endurance athletes on the planet.
A fantastic spectacle
He said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland will be iconic as it will be the very first time that all the disciplines of cycling will be in the one event, and it’s hugely exciting that we are less than two months away from the start of the Individual Time Trials in Stirling.
“We are going to have the world’s best cyclists racing against the clock on a course that takes in Stirling’s historic city centre, beautiful countryside, with a finale in the shadow of Stirling Castle. It’s going to be a fantastic spectacle that I’m sure will also inspire people of all ages to give cycling a go.”
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 one billion 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.
Mark, who recently held a speaking event at Stirling’s Albert Halls, says that the Stirling area is a wonderful location for cycling.
Great location
He continued: “The wonderful thing about Stirling is its location – it’s so central. You are in the heart of a fantastic part of Scotland for cycling and it’s also a great launch pad for the highlands to the north and the lowlands to the south. People come from all over to be here, travelling by train, road or even bicycle.
"Stirling is well known for its outdoor community and people choose to live in Stirling as it has access to the Trossachs and the outdoors. I have always found it a great location and I’m incredibly proud that some of the key events of the UCI 2023 Cycling World Championships are happening here.
“This is one of the major sporting events to take place in Scotland and it’s great it’s happening in Stirling.”
Take up cycling
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “It’s fantastic to have a record-breaking cyclist like Mark show his support for the Individual Time Trials in Stirling and highlight the wonderful cycling experiences across the area.
“We can’t wait to welcome people from all over the world to Stirling to enjoy these exhilarating events that will be broadcast around the world and deliver a wide range of lasting and economic and social benefits to the area.
“Mark has inspired many people with his amazing achievements and adventures and that’s one of our key aims for bringing these world-class athletes to Stirling – to encourage more people of all ages and abilities to take up cycling and get more active.”
Memorable experience
Trudy Lindblade, CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Stirling Council to deliver the Individual Time Trial Road World Championships and provide a truly memorable experience for the athletes and local community this August.
“The route will showcase the stunning countryside across the region, and the rich heritage of the city including the steep climb through the Old Town to the finish line, in the shadows of Stirling Castle.
“We encourage the Stirling community and surrounding regions to join us in this celebration of cycling, and witness history as we bring 13 UCI World Championships together for the very first time and showcase Stirling and Scotland to the world.”
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 impacted residents and businesses while relevant community councils and community groups have also been contacted.
Community drop-in sessions have been held with communities along the route and more are planned. Further direct communications with residents and businesses will also take place.
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. Drop-in sessions will also be organised with affected communities.
More information is available at www.stirling.gov.uk/ucichamps and the full event schedule can be accessed by visiting: www.cyclingworldchamps.com.