Anticipation builds for UCI Cycling World Championships in Dumfries and Galloway

Anticipation is building for the arrival of world class cyclists in Dumfries and Galloway.

Monday marked 100 days to go until the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships begin in Scotland, with the road para-cycling races taking place in the region.

To mark the occasion, organisers teamed up with Love to Ride to launch the 23 Million Mile Challenge, which aims to get people across the UK to cycle a combined total of 23 million miles over the next few months.

And things got off to a flying start with endurance athlete Jenny Tough and YouTuber Katie Kookaburra recreating the first ever bicycle ride undertaken by local blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan on the treadle bicycle on 1842.

The pair set off from The Crichton in Dumfries on Monday bound for Glasgow, where many of the events will take place.

Jenny said: “I’m so excited to be recreating Kirkpatrick’s historic journey from Dumfriesshire to Glasgow alongside Katie to log the first miles of the 23 Million Mile Challenge as part of 100 days to go until the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

“My life is all about adventure and enjoying the wonders of the outdoors whether it’s on foot or on a bike. The challenge is a wonderful opportunity to get out on your bike and discover the freedom it can bring whether it’s going for a ride with your family or setting off on your own to discover what the world has to offer.”

The route taken by the cyclists will pass close to Macmillan’s home at Courthill Smithy and also follow The Sir Chris Hoy Cycle Way.

Once there, the cycling legend himself as well as 19-time UCI Para-cycling World Champion and eight-time Paralympic champion Jody Cundy joined them on their way to the finish in George Square.

In advance of the ride starting out, there was a cycling showcase of all the unique bicycles that will feature across the 13 UCI World Championship events. A replica of Kirkpatrick’s treadle bike was also on display, having been loaned from Dumfries Museum.

The para-cycling road races will take place in Dumfries and Galloway from August 9 to 13.

Chairman of the council’s communities committee, Ian Blake, said: “We’re very excited to be hosting four days of world class para-cycling here in Dumfries and Galloway.

“Our council has a strong recent tradition of being a fantastic host to cycling events and I’m sure the athletes will have a positive experience competing in our region in August.”

To register for the 23 Million Mile Challenge, visit www.cyclingworldchamps.com/23-million-mile-challenge