Stirling will be one of the key hosts when it hosts the star-studded UCI Cycling World Championships this summer.
The city has been chosen as of the host regions, with the routes finally unveiled this week.
The world’s top cyclists will pedal their way across the area as time trials will be raced around Stirling. Additionally, the road races will also pass through the area.
The Stirling area will stage the Individual Time Trials from Wednesday, August 9, to Friday, August 11, for all categories – the men’s elite, women’s elite, under-23 men and the men’s and women’s juniors.
Covering up to 48km of roads, the individual time trials will see riders set off from the King and Queen’s Knot in the shadow of Stirling Castle, one-by-one.
All riders will set off from the King’s Knot in the shadow of Stirling Castle on a course that takes them fast through the flats of the River Forth. The men’s elite time trial will head towards Thornhill and then down to Kippen before looping back towards Stirling city centre.
The women’s elite and men’s under-23 race will also travel towards Thornhill but will turn left down the B8031 before looping back towards the city centre.
The junior men’s and junior women’s races will do a smaller loop, heading out on the same route along the A811 as the Elite and U23 races, before turning back at Gargunnock to the finish.
Once back in the city centre all the riders will make the turn on to the Corn Exchange Road before they make their final accent up a short sharp climb through centuries of Scottish history to a unique finish at Stirling Castle esplanade.
The fastest riders to complete the course will then be presented with the prestigious Rainbow jersey, which denotes the world champion.
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Three of the road races will also pass through the area – the men’s elite on Sunday, August 6; the under-23 men’s on Saturday, August 12; and the elite women’s on Sunday, August 13.
The men’s road race will start in Edinburgh and finish in Glasgow city centre – taking in the Carron Valley and Fintry, while the under-23 men and women’s elite races will start in Balloch at the foot of Loch Lomond, before heading towards Drymen, Balfron and Fintry, with riders also crossing the line in Glasgow city centre.
A series of drop-in sessions have been arranged for communities impacted by the event.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “The announcement of the full road routes shows how Stirling will take centre stage for this unprecedented sporting spectacular.
“We’re proud and excited to be hosting the Individual Time Trials, an exhilarating test for the world’s best cyclists, taking in Stirling’s historic city centre and stunning countryside, with an unforgettable finish at the Stirling Castle esplanade.
“People will be able to watch riders race against the clock for free from the roadside, while the best of Stirling will be shown to a global audience. This will deliver a wide range of lasting economic and social benefits to the area, inspiring more people of all ages to embrace pedal power and encourage a more active and healthy lifestyle.”
While the Road Races on August 6, 12 and 13 will only require short-term rolling road closures, to ensure the individual time trials can take place safely, certain roads will be closed for extended periods.
Letters have been issued to residents impacted by the individual time trials and relevant community councils and community groups have also been contacted. These communications have included information about the first round of community drop-in sessions which start on 29 May and are listed below.
Cllr Kane added: “Now that the road routes have been confirmed, all the event partners are committed to fully engaging with communities in Stirling impacted by the individual time trials and the other road races.
“Open and regular dialogue will be vital to minimise disruption and ensure our residents and businesses can seize the many opportunities to get involved in this thrilling event.
“So please come along to the drop-in sessions for the Individual Time Trials to discuss any specific requirements and ask any questions you may have.”
The first set of drop-in sessions have been arranged for residents and businesses impacted by the time trials. They will run from 2.30pm until 7.30pm and will be held on the following dates: Monday, May 29, at the Cowane Centre, Stirling; Tuesday, May 30 at the Gargunnock Community Centre; Friday, June 2 at Cambusbarron Library; Tuesday, June 6 at the Albert Halls in Stirling; Wednesday, June 7 at the Kippen Reading Rooms; and Thursday, June 8 at Thornhill Community Hall.
More details about all the routes to pass through the Stirling area, including maps, can be found at www.stirling.gov.uk/ucichamps.
