Perth is being lined up to host a race during the “biggest single global cycling event in history” – sparking predictions of a major economic boost for the city.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are being hosted by Glasgow, with events taking place across Scotland.
And it has now emerged that Perth has been asked to host the Gran Fondo road race.
It is expected thousands of fans and participants from around the world will attend the championships next summer.
What is the Gran Fondo?
Translated as ‘big race’, the Gran Fondo is a long-distance, mass-participation event – which organisers say “celebrates competitive cycling for everyone, not just the professionals”.
It is one of 13 events planned for the championships – which includes BMX, cross-country, indoor acrobatic and velodrome competitions.
The top 20% of riders from 30 qualifying events held around the world will be invited to compete in the Gran Fondo.
Between 3,000 and 4,000 participants from 11 age groups 52 countries are expected to take part in both the time trial and road race – with Perth expected to host the latter on Friday August 4 2023.
What route would it take?
Details of the exact route have not been confirmed.
However, it is proposed that the race would start and finish at North Inch in Perth and take riders on a route through central and Highland Perthshire.
A report by Scott Walker, Perth and Kinross Council’s chief accountant, describes it as a “challenging” 160km course.
What would be the benefits to Perthshire?
Mr Walker says the event would “likely generate significant economic benefits across much of Perth and Kinross”.
UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) – the world governing body for cycling – describes the Cycling World Championships, which is bringing together various disciplines for the first time, as “the biggest single global cycling event in history”.
About 2,600 athletes from national teams, along with 7,500 qualified amateurs, are expected to participate in the various competitions.
In addition, a further 15,000 cycling “enthusiasts” are expected for mass participation events.
UCI says Scotland will become “the true cycling capital of the world” during the championships, with “tens of thousands of visitors” expected and images being broadcast worldwide.
What happens next?
Mr Walker’s report, asked councillors to approve various spending associated with having the event in Perth.
It was approved in principle on Wednesday, prior to full approval from the environment, infrastructure and economic development committee at a later date.
This includes traffic management (£150,000) and community engagement (£30,000).
It is also expected £100,000 of work would be needed to create suitable road surfaces for the race on various parts of the network – to be funded from an existing programme of work.
UCI has confirmed venues for all its other events but is yet to formally confirm the host for the Gran Fondo.
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