ORGANISERS of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will officially kick off the highly anticipated event with an opening ceremony in Glasgow's George Square next week.
The event will start from 5pm on Wednesday and features performances from Scottish artists and citizens, with a mixture of professional and community-based organisations, including a performance from award-winning singer KT Tunstall (below).
Acting as hosts are Scottish Commonwealth Games silver medallist Charline Jones and cycling commentator and Glaswegian comedian Alan Anderson.
The Championships are due to welcome elite cyclists from more than 120 countries.
George Square in the centre of Glasgow will also serve as the official fan zone, showcasing the sights and sounds of the event.
The area will include themed days, with August 8 serving as a family day.
The official zone will showcase some of the best of Glasgow’s and Scotland’s music scene, including contributions from Celtic Connections and Piping Live!.
Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson 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.”
He added that the Scottish Government is “proud to support the innovative and inclusive event”.
“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.”
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Paul Bush, chair of the 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 lasting impact for cycling across the country.”
For a full list of activities and events, click HERE.
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