SPORT CYCLING
Scotland steps up a gear on ambition to become a top cycling nation
Two new vélo events to boost global standing
E
lite women cyclists from around the world are set to take part in the first- ever Women’s Tour of Scotland cycling race in
August. Up to 20 of the world’s lead-
ing teams are set to compete in the three-day event, which was launched in Edinburgh earlier this month. Te inaugural Union Cycliste
Internationale (UCI) Cycling World Championships will also come to Scotland in 2023. Te two events are a huge boost
to Scotland’s stated aim to be- come one of Europe’s top cycling nations and represents a coup for EventScotland, which has a track record in attracting major sport- ing events. Significantly, it was announced that the women taking part will compete for the first time for equivalent prize money to a men’s event. Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, Scotland’s
Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said: “With the Cycling World Championships com- ing to Scotland in 2023 this event adds to our drive to become one of Europe’s top cycling nations with cycling firmly embedded across Scotland as the favoured way to travel to school and work, as an enjoyable leisure activity and an ef- ficient way to improve health.”
THE EVENT was officially launched by Katie Archibald MBE, Tour Ambassador, Olympian, Common- wealth Games, World and Multiple European Champion. She said: “Tis is a great route
for a race and the sheer calibre of teams and riders who will be racing the first Women’s Tour of Scotland is really exciting – I’m proud to be involved with the Tour and I really
The Women’s Tour of
Scotland will attract up to 20 of the world’s leading teams this August
hope more women and girls will be inspired to start cycling as a result.” Te three-day 350km Tour will
take place on Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August 2019 and is intended to be a long-term fixture in the events calendar. Race Director Alan Rushton, said:
“Te official start will depart from Dundee’s iconic waterfront area and the 103km stage will take in the Tay Road Bridge and travel down through the Kingdom of Fife to fin- ish in Pittencrief Park, Dunfermline. “Stage Two is a 139.4km route
departing on Saturday 10th August 2019 from George Square, Glasgow, sweeping through Te Trossachs and finishing in the centre of Perth.
“Te final stage of the inaugural
Women’s Tour of Scotland will start and finish in the beautiful setting of Holyrood Park, the famous Royal Park in central Edinburgh. Te 118.3km stage will include three Queen of the Mountain climbs which will make the final 18kms of the Tour decisive.”
BETWEEN 18-20 of the worlds’ leading elite teams will be taking part and the Women’s Tour of Scot- land has proved a welcome addition to the international calendar of the worldwide governing body for cycling, the UCI. Te UCI Championships, which will take place at venues in Glasgow
and across Scotland over two weeks in August 2023, was awarded in recognition of Scotland’s proven expertise in delivering world-class cycling events. Sir Chris Hoy,, six-times Olym-
pic gold medallist, said: “To see Glasgow build on the legacy of the Commonwealth Games in 2014 – and more recently the European Championships – to become the first city to host a combined cycling world championships is a real coup for the city and Scotland. I’m looking forward to witnessing first- hand what I know will be another fantastic event not only on the velodrome track in 2023, but across all disciplines of our great sport.” n
EVENTSBASE | SPRING 2019 | 23
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