Countdown to the UCI Cycling World Championships

100 days to go…

Cycling enthusiasts and the tourism sector in the South of Scotland are hugely excited about the UCI Cycling World Championships taking place in Scotland this August and delighted to be hosting the Para Cycling events in the South of Scotland.

As well as the thrill of the racing itself, the event is set to provide significant investment and a much-welcomed boost to businesses and the local economy this summer, with local agencies working hard to encourage businesses and communities to maximise the opportunities this presents.

On Monday 24th April, VisitScotland welcomed local businesses and partners to Easterbrook Hall at The Crichton to mark 100 days to go until UCI Cycling World Championships. The countdown campaign started with a meeting with local partners to ensure they are prepared for a summer of cycling and to inform them of the many promotional and commercial opportunities that are available because of the championships, which is the biggest cycling event in history.

To mark the start of the 100-day countdown and to celebrate the fact that the first bicycle was invented in Dumfries and Galloway, endurance athlete Jenny Tough and influencer Katie Kookaburra  retraced the route of the first ever ride by Kirkpatrick Macmillan, from Dumfries to Glasgow. A replica of Kirkpatrick Macmillan’s bicycle was at the starting line in Dumfries.

The buzz around the UCI Championships is expected to encourage the South of Scotland to get peddling and to promote the region as a safe and exciting destination for cycling and cycling holidays too. It is, after all, the home of the bicycle and the recent launch of the new 250-mile South of Scotland Coast to Coast cycle route, named Kirkpatrick C2C and stretching from Stranraer to Eyemouth, will also create new opportunities for cyclists, cycle tourism and local businesses now and in the future.

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) is very much involved in maximising the opportunities for the region and as part of their 2023 cycling campaign, are preparing to host a series of free online webinars to encourage local businesses and organisations to make the most of the opportunities from cycling this summer. Three sessions are planned as follows:

• 25th April,11am -12noon – Cycle Tourism South of Scotland – How to get a slice of the action
• 2nd May, 11am-12noon – Cycle Tourism South of Scotland – Cycling starts here
• 9th May, 11am-12noon – Cycle Tourism South of Scotland – How to get on track for cycle tourism and effective marketing

See link below for more information.

Rachel Cowper, Chief Operating Officer at The Crichton Trust said:

“We are delighted to be one of the many local organisations and venues supporting the delivery of the UCI World Championships in Dumfries and Galloway this year. Building on the success of hosting the National British Road Championships Time Trials at The Crichton in the summer of 2022, we are excited about supporting the para-cycling events here at The Crichton in August will continue to promote cycling, active communities and active travel in whatever way we can. It’s going to be an exciting summer!”

Find out more:

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships | Glasgow and across Scotland

Events for April 2023 – South of Scotland Destination Alliance

Please note The Crichton Trust will keep tenants, colleagues and partners informed of plans for the UCI Cycling World Championships in August as arrangements and opportunities are confirmed. In the meantime, please feel free to get in touch with Rachel Cowper, Chief Operating Officer at The Crichton Trust and to attend The Crichton Networking Forum whenever possible.