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Article published 13/10/2023

“From Edinburgh to Glasgow - a majestic performance, a majestic world champion” – commentary at the finish line for the Men Elite Road Race Highlights during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.  

Whether you turned out alongside record crowds to watch or tuned in like millions of people across the globe, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the biggest cycling event ever, held in Glasgow and across Scotland, was a majestic event.

Playing host to this global competition also reinforced Scotland’s position as the perfect stage for events and one of the world’s leading sporting destinations.  

In the run up to the Championships we created Scotland. Made for Cycling, a campaign that brings to life what our country has to offer – a cycling proposition for all levels and abilities. Find out more about this campaign.

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships spectator crowds credit Liam Moss

The biggest cycling event ever: 3 - 13 August 2023

1 million

estimated spectators

8,000

athletes took part

653

medals awarded

The legacy

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships wasn’t just an incredible event. It was an opportunity to celebrate the power of the bike and initiate a catalyst for change across Scotland, long after the event. 

Our marketing team has an exciting road ahead, to continue the momentum garnered by hosting the Championships, to grow the value of cycling tourism and position Scotland as a leading cycling tourism destination.  

We’re focusing on building awareness of the experiences that Scotland can offer our visitors and working with partners to harness the recent interest from the Championships.

Sustrans Scotland cycling routes map

For the last few years, we’ve worked with Sustrans Scotland to create a cycling routes map which our visitors can access on our global website,  visitscotland.com.  

The map generated over 250,000 page views last year and well over 180,000 this year so far. It currently includes eight long distance routes and 66 day trip suggestions, and is proving to be a hit, especially with those who are not sure where to cycle in Scotland.  

Sustrans Scotland has also recently added five new Cycling Worlds legacy routes that will allow visitors to explore some of the host venues and nearby surroundings .

A great resource to share with your visitors.

Make the most of the cycling market 

Check out our Cycling Tourism Industry Guide which provides up to date market research and advice on how to engage with this rapidly growing market. Make the most of the recent interest in cycling!.

Cycling Tourism Industry Guide

Related links

Our marketing calendar

Discover how you can align with our marketing activity throughout the year to get the greatest reach.

Cycling tourism industry guide

Cycling has experienced a boom in interest from visitors. Read on for business advice on how to make the most of working with this lucrative market.