GBT Guide: Reflections on the Glasgow UCI world cycling championships
World Class Cycling in Glasgow
The UCI world cycling championships were hosted by Glasgow between the 3rd of August and 13th of August (2023) and it was really great to see so many elite cyclists and cycling fans around the city. There was definitely an added buzz in the city and more people were out on their bikes than usual. Some of those bikes looked like they’d spent a few years in the loft, but let’s hope the bikes don’t go back to the attic.
Not only were all the competitions exciting, but it was very impressive seeing the cyclists out training, quite often on the same cycle routes as we were guiding our guests, on their bike tour of Glasgow. It doesn’t need mentioning, but it’s fair to say that these elite cyclists were travelling a few km/h quicker than our bike tours were going. We would say that the enjoyment would have been similar though and would encourage everyone to try cycling and find out ho much fun it can be.
Highlights of Professional Cycling in Glasgow
From a personal perspective Mathieu Van Der Pole’s win of the men’s elite road race, beating Wout Van Art and Tadej Pogacar (both hot off the tour de France) having fallen on a slippy corner during his break away to win, was a particular stand out.
Having recently taken up trials riding I was particularly in awe of Charlie Rolls and Jack Carthy both of Team GB. Charlie was unlucky to finish 3rd in the 20” event and Jack won the 26” event. Both riders got off to a bad start with Charlie only taking 10 points out of a possible 60 and then slipping and damaging his forearm, but looked completely unflustered and fought back to a podium place. Jack had a poor start, but like Charlie kept calm and focused taking top spot. Both guys put in a great performance in less than perfect conditions.
Tom Pidcock was another inspiring GB winner having had a disappointing tour de France by his own standards. Tom won the elite men’s cross country cycling, held at Glentress. Having started the race back from the front runners, he didn’t waste any time catching the leading group and finally leaving them behind to take a decisive win.
Congratulations to all the GB cyclists who took part and good luck with future events.
Glasgow Bike Tours team.