IN CELEBRATION of the biggest cycling event in history, organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will officially kick off the highly anticipated mega-event with an action-packed Opening Ceremony, taking place at Glasgow’s George Square on Wednesday 2 August from 5.00pm.

The Opening Ceremony features performances by Scottish artists and citizens, with a mixture of professional and community-based organisations. There is an exciting line-up of activities, personalities, dance, spoken word and a headline performance by multi-award-winning Scottish singer KT Tunstall.

Acting as hosts are Scottish Commonwealth Games silver medallist Charline Jones and cycling commentator and Glaswegian comedian Alan Anderson. This free event celebrates the power of the bike and serves as the official welcoming to the thousands of amateur and elite cyclists from more than 120 countries.

George Square, in the centre of Glasgow, throughout the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, will also serve as the official fan zone showcasing the sights, sounds and excitement of this inaugural cycling event. This vibrant area will include themed days, Wednesday 8 August being a family day and on Friday 11 August is Surge festival day.

The official fan zone will also showcase the best of Glasgow’s and Scotland’s music scene, including contributions from Celtic Connections, Piping Live! Glasgow Mela and many other great bands including local and international musicians such as Amy Laurenson,

The Siobhan Miller Band, Tom McGuire & the Brassholes and many more. The full GO LIVE! schedule can be found on the Glasgow Life website glasgowlife.org.uk/golive

With something for everyone, free fun-filled activities will also be held each day of the UCI World Championships for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

For a daily schedule of activities and performers, please visit https://www.cyclingworldchamps.com/visit/go-live-fan-zones

David Lappartient, UCI President said: “The much-awaited UCI Cycling World Championships are upon us, and anticipation at the Opening Ceremony on 2nd August will be at its highest. The programme of music and family entertainment planned in George Square will be a fitting celebration on the eve of the biggest cycling event ever staged and will also kick off a full 11 days of activities planned at the official fan zone.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chair, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “The line-up of local and international artists for the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, including a headline performance from KT Tunstall, will be the ideal curtain raiser for 11 days of exhilarating cycling action in Glasgow and across Scotland.

“The Championships will provide the perfect stage to showcase Scotland once again as a world-class events destination while also delivering a real and last impact for cycling across the country.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved from our strategic partners to the host regions and the local community for all their support in bringing for this first of its kind global event to life.”

Angus Robertson, Culture Secretary, Scottish Government said: “With only a week to go until Scotland hosts the world’s biggest cycling event, the excitement is building. The stage is set and teams and competitors from across the world are arriving ahead of the opening ceremony, which will feature some of Scotland’s best cultural talent.

“The eyes of the world will be on Scotland as more than 200 UCI World Champions are crowned across 11 days of incredible action. The Scottish Government is proud to support this innovative and inclusive event, recognising that it also supports our wider efforts to get more people cycling.

“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will offer something for everyone, from road races to BMX Freestyle to the mass participation Gran Fondo. With events taking place in Glasgow and across the country, I encourage all those who can to get out and enjoy the action, including the many events that are free to watch.

“I hope the Championships will inspire people in Scotland and further afield to celebrate the power of the bike and get cycling, whether for sport, exercise, transport or simply for pleasure.”

The 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will feature 13 high-adrenaline, exciting UCI World Championships including Track and Para-cycling Track at the 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 cycle-ball) at the Emirates Arena, Mountain Bike Cross-country, and Cross-country Marathon in Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley, Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Road and Para-cycling Road across Scotland.

Tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championship events are on sale from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships including the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo road races and time trials.