Hundreds of cyclists set to race through East Dunbartonshire streets this summer

Glasgow 2018 has today (Tuesday February 6) announced the routes for this year’s European Cycling Road Championships, which will take in Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and Stirling.

The three local authorities for the areas are working in partnership with Glasgow 2018 to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.

The European Cycling Road Championships, which features men and women’s elite road and time trial events, will see more than 300 of Europe’s best cyclists compete in Scotland, giving sports fans a historic opportunity to see the best riders on the continent race past their doorsteps this summer - for free.

An exciting time trial route will see cyclists set off from Glasgow’s iconic Riverside Museum before heading up through north Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and – in the men’s race – Stirling, before an exciting finishing straight on Glasgow Green in front of roaring city crowds.

Residents, businesses and communities with these historic road events on their doorsteps will have a number of ways to get information they need in order to be aware of the temporary local arrangements through the staging of these prestigious events, including information drop-in sessions and through www.getreadyglasgow.com.

Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive for Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets at East Dunbartonshire said: “We are delighted to be co-hosting the Glasgow 2018 Time Trial, with the opportunity to showcase the stunning backdrop of East Dunbartonshire and enable supporters to cheer on the elite cyclists challenging to win these events along the route.”

Men’s and women’s road race routes will see athletes complete a series of laps through the heart of Glasgow and past some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Glasgow 2018 is working in partnership with all three local authorities to minimise disruption so residents and local communities can enjoy the celebrations and excitement.

Since the introduction of elite riders in 2016, previous European Cycling Road Championships winners include three-time world champion Peter Sagan, who took men’s road race gold in 2016 and last year’s women’s road race winner Marianne Vos, a former Olympic road champion.

Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC) president Rocco Cattaneo said: “It will be the first time the UEC European Cycling Road Championships elite races have taken place in the United Kingdom and we’re delighted to bring this event to Scotland.

“Elite events in Plumelec, France in 2016 and Herning, Denmark in 2017 provided plenty of excitement and some memorable performances from Europe’s top male and female riders. I have no doubt that our elite cyclists and Scottish fans can combine to create something even greater at the multi-sport Glasgow 2018 European Championships.”

Sports Minister Aileen Campbell said: “The time trial and road races for Glasgow 2018 will see some of Europe’s best cyclists traveling past some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Worldwide TV audiences will be able to enjoy a thrilling competition, not just in Glasgow but also in East Dunbartonshire and Stirling, widening the benefits of the Championships.

“I expect our enthusiasm for cycling, which has been so evident in previous events, will be on show with spectators coming out to line the route and cheer on the competitors.”

The European Cycling Road Championships is one of four cycling disciplines taking place as part of the multi-sport Glasgow 2018 European Championships, alongside the European Championships for BMX, Mountain Biking and Track Cycling.

Other sports taking place across Glasgow and Scotland during the Championships include the existing European Championships for Aquatics, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon along with a brand new European Golf Team Championships at Gleneagles. Athletics will take place in Berlin, completing the 2018 European Championships sport roster.

The Championships will run from 2-12 August 2018 with road race events on Sunday 5 August (Women’s Road Race), Wednesday 8 August (Men and Women’s Time Trial) and Sunday 12 August (Men’s Road Race).