Caerlaverock Castle was one of 13 iconic Scottish landmarks illuminated in the UCI’s rainbow colours to mark six months until the biggest cycling event in the world.
Friday’s lighting up not only showed the range of locations and venues where the UCI World Championships will take place from August 3 to 13 but also how Scotland will be welcoming the world – with the stripes signifying the five continents.
All the landmarks – from the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands to the Riverside Museum on the banks of the river Clyde in Glasgow and Edinburgh Castle – were chosen as they are located in the regions that are venues for the championships which will see thousands of amateur and elite cycling athletes from more than 120 countries competing.
Caerlaverock Castle was illuminated in recognition of Dumfries and Galloway hosting the Para-cycling Road race and the illuminations are helping to build awareness and anticipation for the upcoming Championships.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh, chairman of the communities committee, said: “It is a privilege for the council to support the World Paracycling Championships in Dumfries and Galloway this August.
“We are delighted to be part of this national and global celebration of cycling and are confident that the athletes and visitors will love their time in South West Scotland.”
Councillor John Campbell, vice chairman, added: “The council is serious about promoting cycling.
“As the home of five of the renowned 7stanes mountain-biking centres, and with a highly appealing range of cycling events that take place regularly in our area, Dumfries and Galloway is a great destination for cyclists.
“We do have a fantastic cycling heritage here as Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a hugely intelligent blacksmith, invented an early version of the bicycle – his velocipede, in 1839.”
Paul Bush, chairman of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said: “With six months to go until Scotland hosts the biggest cycling event ever staged, the lighting up of landmarks act as a celebratory beacon ahead of eleven action packed days in August where UCI World Champions will be crowned.”
To register for tickets visit the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships website.
