Get tickets for Scotland’s biggest ever sporting event

As Scotland prepares to welcome the greatest celebration of cycling in history, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and former BMX Racing UCI World Champion Shanaze Reade, the event’s ambassador for children and young people, visited Glasgow BMX Center in Knightswood to kick off ticket sales yesterday and met with young cyclists from local schools as well as BMX groups, the Western Titans and the Cumbernauld Centurions.

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Home to Scotland’s only world and Olympic standard BMX circuit, the BMX Center opened in 2018 to host the European Championships. It has since hosted the 2022 UCI BMX Racing World Cup and will welcome the best riders to take part in exciting races throughout August.

Earlier this month some of Scotland’s most famous and stunning landmarks were illuminated in the UCI’s rainbow stripes, marking the locations that will host the upcoming 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3rd to 13th August 2023.

With something for everyone, UCI Cycling Worlds 2023 will feature 13 adrenaline-pumping, thrilling UCI World Championships including track and para-cycling track at Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, BMX racing at Glasgow BMX Centre, BMX Freestyle (park and flatland ) and trials at Glasgow Green, indoor cycling (artistic cycling and bike ball) at Emirates Arena, mountain bike cross-country and marathon at Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley. Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Road and Para-Cycling Road across Scotland.

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General sale for the first of its kind cycling event begins on Thursday 23 February 2023 at 10:00 am and offers tickets at a range of prices to suit every fan’s budget. Tickets can be purchased for as little as £8 or fans can register for a variety of free events here.

Scottish Government First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Hosting the first-ever UCI Cycling World Championships is an excellent opportunity to showcase Scotland to the world, to promote cycling and its many benefits. This global event will also bring important economic benefits to communities across the country.

Whilst Glasgow is rightly recognized as an excellent and experienced host city, it is fantastic to see these UCI World Championships taking place from Fort William to Dumfries and Galloway and various places in between. This is a great opportunity for Scotland to build on our global reputation for hosting world-class events.

Tickets going on general sale are a way for people to get involved. However, we want the public not only to enjoy the many different events, but to be inspired by the power of the bicycle to try cycling for themselves – for exercise, sport, transport or just for fun. ”

David Lappartient, UCI President, said: “Fans attending the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships will be part of an important chapter in the history of our sport. We’re less than six months away from a meaningful 11 ​​days of racing and I really want to encourage people to get on board quickly to make sure they’re witnessing some amazing racing. I look forward to seeing the whole cycling family united at this unprecedented event in Scotland.”

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Paul Bush, OBE, Chairman of the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships said: “The 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships will be a must-attend event, giving both athletes and spectators the opportunity to experience a world first – something never seen or ridden before.

“With over 8000 participating elite and amateur cyclists bringing their bikes from more than 120 countries, the size and scale of what is on offer at a mega event means there will be something for everyone.

“With the world’s best cyclists taking part in the ultimate tests of talent, tenacity and endurance for 11 days, this is an incredible opportunity to witness history being made.

“Having events of this size and scale on our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s position as the world’s leading events destination and we look forward to welcoming everyone in August.”

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Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “The inaugural UCI World Cycling Championships in 2023 will be one of the biggest sporting events Glasgow or even Scotland has ever hosted.

“We can’t wait to welcome the world back to Glasgow and put our city back on the global stage.

“I’m particularly pleased that there are tickets for different budgets, as well as free events like the street races that Glasgow hosts.

“And the event can be a catalyst for local cycling activation programs for people of all backgrounds and abilities to get involved and celebrate the power of the bike.”

Shanaze Reade, Children’s and Youth Ambassador at the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships said: “For me, a bike represents freedom. It can open up so many possibilities and teach you so many life skills.

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“With the UCI World Cycling Championships coming to Glasgow and Scotland this year, we have a tremendous opportunity to encourage young people to cycle and feel a part of this once in a lifetime event.

“Seeing the best cyclists in the world take to the streets and arenas of our own country will not only generate a lot of excitement in August, but hopefully inspire young riders – maybe even the next generation of champions – to join in the fun and experiencing the freedom of a bike can bring into their lives.”

Whilst the successful delivery of the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships is a key concern for the Scottish Government, they are also working with various partners to use the event as a catalyst for positive change and to encourage more people to take part in cycling.

These projects include providing accessible, inclusive and inspiring facilities through an £8m cycling facilities fund and engaging all local authorities through the £1m community cycling fund to provide cycling opportunities and inspiration.