The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

UCI start line for the Women’s Elite Road Race on Sunday

Published 13 August 2023

By Lucy Ashton

Crowds gathered in West Dunbartonshire this weekend to support world-class cyclists as they competed in the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Balloch was host to two events – the Men’s U23 Elite Road Race on Saturday and the Women’s Elite Road Race on Sunday – attracting spectators from all over the world to the area.

The events were also broadcast to millions of viewers from all across the globe, putting West Dunbartonshire on a world stage.

Provost Douglas McAllister joined Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer for the World Championships and President of UCI David Lappertient at the start line to wave cyclists off on a route that moved from Balloch towards Gartocharn, before travelling through Stirlingshire and East Dunbartonshire then into Glasgow.

Provost McAllister said: “It has been so exciting for our area to be part of this event – the first of its size and type in the world.

“We already know how beautiful our corner of the world is, but this event has given us an opportunity to showcase it to millions of people worldwide.

“Watching these elite athletes, who will have trained for years for this moment, is extremely inspirational and I’m sure many of our residents will be getting back on their bikes as a result.

“We’re lucky in West Dunbartonshire that we have many fantastic cycling routes, and I would encourage everyone to get out and enjoy them.”

For more information about the events and winners, visit: 2023 UCI CYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS | UCI

To find out more about cycling routes around West Dunbartonshire, visit: Cycle paths | West Dunbartonshire Council (west-dunbarton.gov.uk)

Cllr David McBride checking out the improvements to the cycle path between Dumbarton and Balloch.

Meanwhile, there are two cycle paths in West Dunbartonshire that offer spectacular views of the River Clyde and Loch Lomond.

The NCN7 Cycle Path leaves Glasgow following the River Clyde and runs through West Dunbartonshire via Dumbarton to Balloch and then on to Drymen. The route then heads to Inverness via Aberfoyle, Callander, Killin, Pitlochry, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge.

Highlights include the Glen Ogle viaduct on the railway path between Lochearnhead and Killin. The route is managed by Sustrans with assistance from West Dunbartonshire Council.

National Cycle Network Route 7 in West Dunbartonshire transformed by traffic-free Bowline project

The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path is a 17 mile cycleway and footpath that runs from Balloch at the southern tip of Loch Lomond to Tarbet.

The path is traffic-free for most of the way, with only two short stretches on minor roads. It’s suitable for cyclists, walkers, wheelchair users and horse riders.

The path begins and ends near railway stations, so you can travel the whole route and return by train or travel just part of the route and return the way you came.

It is managed by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority.

When using these routes please be aware that they’re used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with some sections also accessible to authorised motorised vehicles.