Scotland Lights Up in Rainbow Colours Marking Six Months to Go Until 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

Published: 3 February 2023

Organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships marked six months to go until the first-of-its-kind event by lighting up iconic landmarks in Glasgow and across Scotland where the 13 UCI World Championship events are set to take place from 3-13 August 2023.

Having these landmarks across the country illuminated in the colours of the UCI rainbow stripes, reflects not only the range of locations and venues where the UCI World Championships will take place, in a pan-Scotland celebration of cycling, but also how Scotland will be welcoming the world, with the stripes signifying the five continents.

From the Riverside Museum on the banks of the river Clyde in Glasgow to the majesty of Edinburgh Castle, the historic Stirling Castle, and the fortress like Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland was on full display to begin the countdown to the inaugural cycling event in August.

All landmarks were chosen as they are located in the regions that are venues for the Championships

The world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands, the waters of Loch Lomond in East and West Dunbartonshire and in the Scottish Borders, the historic Traquair House were also illuminated in the colours of the iconic UCI rainbow stripes, helping to build awareness and anticipation for the upcoming Championships.

These regions of Scotland will see thousands of amateur and elite cycling athletes from over 120 countries competing across the 13 UCI World Championships for the first time at the mega-event, making it the largest event in cycling history.

To register for tickets or for additional information, please visit the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships website.

Angus Robertson, Culture Secretary, Scottish Government said: "It's only six months to go until the eyes of the world are on Glasgow and Scotland for the UCI Cycling World Championships. Not only will this be an incredible showcase of talent from across the globe but it's also a fantastic opportunity to highlight all that Scotland has to offer to people travelling from near and far for the event. We look forward to welcoming everyone from athletes to cycling enthusiasts to people just looking for a great day out."

UCI President David Lappartient said: "We are now into the final stretch of preparations for these milestone UCI Cycling World Championships.Illuminating landmarks at key venues inGlasgow and across Scotland has given everyone a true sense of the importance and enormity of this inaugural event. Six months will pass by quickly and I cannot wait to see fans and athletes from cycling's many different disciplines join together for these eleven days of excitement, celebration and competition that will crown virtually all of our UCI World Champions for 2023."

Paul Bush, OBE, Chair of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: "Shining the iconic UCI rainbow jersey colours onto some of the country's most incredible and well-known locations heralds another significant milestone in the run up to the inaugural  UCI Cycling World Championships.

With six months to go until Scotland hosts the biggest cycling event ever staged, the lighting up of landmarks acts as a celebratory beacon ahead of eleven action packed days in August where UCI World Champions will be crowned, and audiences wowed by must-see moments. Having mega events of this size and scale in our calendar further strengthens Scotland's position as a world-leading events destination and reinforces Scotland's place as the perfect stage for events".

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council  said: "It's exciting to reach another milestone in the journey to holding the biggest cycling event in history, where Glasgow will be hosting eight of the 13 UCI World Championships, at five city venues. We have a proud history of putting on world-class sporting events, as a top 5 global sporting city, and we are looking forward to providing a great experience for all involved as we welcome thousands of spectators and athletes from around the world, in August."