[Source: OnePlan] The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a major event like no other, powered by innovation. For the organising committee and its stakeholders, this includes how the planning of the Games is being done, including operations, security, transport, workforce management and so much more.
OnePlan is the Official Supporter of GIS Mapping and Digital Twin Software for Paris 2024, and our award-winning software is being used to plan the Games. It includes a 3D digital twin view, Venue Twin, that any user at Paris 2024 and its stakeholders can access to provide life-like visualisations of how the venues will look – simply accessible via a web browser.
Our digital twin solution leverages some of the latest computing and processor technologies of Intel, worldwide partner of the Olympic Games. Read on and watch below how venues in central Paris are being transformed virtually by organisers of Paris 2024 to streamline its operational planning.

Eiffel Tower Arena
The Eiffel Tower Arena will be a magical setting for the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With a capacity of 12,860 spectators, this temporary stadium will provide unique sporting moments during the Games.
As with all the temporary venues for Paris 2024, this venue currently only exists in Venue Twin. It gives the organising committee and their stakeholders a hyper-realistic way to plan and visualise all aspects of the operational plan for this arena, including security, transport, crowd management, workforce planning, and more.
The 3D digital twins wins we’re creating with Paris 2024 are fully interoperable with the 2D map views in the same system. When a plan is changed, however big or small that change, it’s instantly shown in the 3D view. This gives organisers hands-on access to real-time plans for every venue so they can plan collaboratively with whoever needs access.

La Concorde
Place de la Concorde is being transformed for Paris 2024 into an open arena to host urban sports in their natural environment at the heart of the city. Temporary venues will host Skateboarding, Breaking, BMX Freestyle and 3×3 Basketball, with these spectacular sports taking place virtually non-stop for the duration of the Olympic Games.
In planning Concorde, organisers have to take into account a myriad of factors to ensure the events are safe and successful. This includes how the existing city infrastructure needs to change to accommodate these temporary venues, security scenario planning, traffic management, workforce positioning and responsibilities, fan experience, optimizing for peak sporting conditions and so much more.
This is all being visualized in our state-of-the-art Venue Twin software, which can be viewed by any stakeholder any time, from anywhere. It’s reducing the time and costs of planning the next Games, thanks to our powerful cloud-based solution that’s easy for anyone to use.

Invalides
The Esplanade des Invalides is one of Paris’ preferred leisure destinations where locals and tourists enjoy sport, music and walking. For the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it’s being transformed into a show-stopping venue for Archery, Para-Archery and other sports.
The Invalides Venue Twin that we’ve created with Paris 2024 shows how event organisers are planning with temporary infrastructure on existing city environments. The centimetre-accurate placement of crowd infrastructure includes how fans with additional access needs will be able to easily access the venue and have excellent views of the action.
When planning operations at Invalides using the Venue Twin visualisations, organisers are able to view how the venue will look at different times of day and in different weather conditions. This is an innovative way in which the Paris 2024 organising committee is able to plan the Games with multiple scenarios in mind, and plan for any potential scenario.

The European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos had a positive conversation with the Mayor of Istanbul ahead of their General Assembly there, and said he would be honoured to give Istanbul the opportunity to bid for the Games.

Asked by The Sun journalist Rob Maul who the frontrunning cities are for the next edition in 2027, Capralos said “We are discussing with the National Olympic Committees who are interested. I cannot hide that we had a very pleasant conversation with Mayor of Istanbul. We are also in conversation with others."

Answering a question from Host City, Capralos confirmed that they were engaging with western European destinations, but there is a lack of interest from them in hosting the Games. “It takes two to tango. You can't force them if they don't want to do it," he said. "But if we don't have a candidate from western or northern countries it doesn’t mean that it is not a success."

He cited the success of the 2023 European Games in Poland in inspiring the nation to bid for the Olympic Games, and mentioned that Deloitte will present a study on the financial impact of this edition.

Hasan Arat, Vice President of the Turkish National Olympic Committee and Member of the EOC Executive Committee led Istanbul’s bid for the 2020 Olympic Games. “Look at what has happened here over the last 20 years: the sports and city infrastructure is great; we have everything,” he said. “It is depending on the political leaders to decide if they want to do it. It is a great place to host such an event. This is important for my country and my people.”

Capralos highlighted that Games can be hosted without spending a lot of money. “There is no need to spend money on new facilities. If you (Istanbul) decide to go ahead we'd be honoured to give you this opportunity.”

He also revealed that the European Games could be hosted by more than one nation, citing the example of the European Olympic Festival in January, which was hosted by Italy but with some events taking place in Slovenia. “We do not object and we will be happy to see more countries working together,” he said.

The 2027 European Games will be the fourth edition, following three editions in the east of Europe. The multi-sport European Championships was successfully launched in Glasgow in 2018 followed by Munich 2022, with the host selection process underway for 2026.

“The European Games are not there to replace the European Championships,” said Capralos. They serve as the main event for qualifying athletes for the Olympic Games. It is a very important event, after the Olympic Games. We're not here to stop any other events.”

Other items on the EOC General Assembly agenda include governance improvements such launching the process of appointing a CEO.

Capralos also explained why Russian athletes were not allowed to compete in the 2023 Games, despite the fact that the IOC has paved the way for Russian athletes to participate in Paris 2024. “The decision was made after consulting with government of Poland. It was done for the safety of the athletes, as we could not guarantee the safety of athletes from Russia. We will continue following the IOC recommendations.”

Host City 2023 conference and exhibition, the largest international meeting of cities and sports business events, returns to Glasgow, Scotland on 20-21 November.  

Taking place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts Glasgow Life and EventScotland, this year’s event will once again see hundreds of major event owners, organisers and hosts from all over the world gather at the Technology and Innovation Centre around the conference theme of Driving and Reacting to Change.

Speakers include Hilary Ash, Vice President, Games Delivery & Infrastructure, LA28; Giulio Alessandrini, Head of Venues & Infrastructure, Milano Cortina 2026; Vlad Marinescu, President of the International Esports Federation (IESF) and Director General, International Judo Federation and many more organising committees, rights holders and hosts.

To further build on its great reputation as the premier global gathering of sports, business and cultural events, the 10^th Host City conference features a hosted buyer programme for the growing community of international event owners and organising committees.

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “Having delivered a spectacular summer of mega events, from the success of the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships and the city’s 75^th anniversary of hosting the World Pipe Band Championships, to Banksy’s incredible, sold-out Cut and Run exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow continues to merit its reputation as a global leader for delivering world-class cultural and sporting events.

“We’re looking forward to Host City returning to Glasgow in November and to welcoming major event owners, organisers, federations, cities and wider stakeholders to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the global events industry today. Events contribute significantly to Glasgow’s visitor economy and support the city’s wider health and wellbeing agenda. We’re excited to again be part of the conversation and to be able to share our experience of delivering engaging events with positive long-term benefits that create a genuine legacy for our communities.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, said: “EventScotland is delighted to continue its partnership with Host City having been a long-standing supporter of the conference since its inception in 2014.  With the global spotlight recently shining on Glasgow, and Scotland for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, we are excited to once again welcome a range of excellent speakers and industry colleagues to Glasgow for two days of knowledge sharing and collaborative discussion.

“This year’s conference theme entitled ‘Driving and Reacting to Change’ will encourage us all to consider the importance of proactive adaptation, resilience, and transformation as we continue to navigate the dynamic and ever-changing world we operate in. I look forward to meeting with attendees in November and hearing from the esteemed line up of speakers the Host City team has assembled.”

[Source: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships] The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have been declared a huge success after a preliminary estimate of 1 million spectators turned out to watch the festival of cycling, while millions more tuned in around the world to see the 11 days of cycling action taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland.

The final event of the programme, the Women Elite Road Race, brought the curtain down on the inaugural event that has seen 13 UCI World Championships combined into one mega event for the first time ever.

Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky claimed the top spot following a thrilling finish to the race that saw tens of thousands line the route between Balloch and Glasgow. It was the first time the women’s elite road race has closed a UCI World Championship, with 207 riders (including Women Under 23) taking on the 154.1km course. This is up on the 129 riders that took to the start line at the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia.

A total of 653 medals were awarded and 220 UCI Rainbow jerseys races have been raced as fans of all ages flocked to venues across the country to witness cycling history being made, with sold out crowds at events across the programme. Additionally, spectators lined roads, ramps, and routes at locations including Glasgow Green, Stirling, Edinburgh, Perth and Kinross, Dundee, Angus, Fife, Falkirk, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, and Dumfries and Galloway, to cheer on riders at free events up and down the country.

Across all competitions, almost 8,000 elite and amateur athletes took part with Great Britain topping both the cycling and para-cycling medal table with 56 and 44 medals, respectively. A full list of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships medal winners and results is available here.

Such numbers demonstrate how the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have undoubtedly inspired new fans of the sport and created new experiences for thousands of spectators at home and abroad. In addition, EY (Ernst & Young) have been commissioned to conduct a qualitative social and economic impact assessment for the event to detail the value that it has brought to Scotland.

The delivery of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships would not have been possible without the support of the 4,000 volunteers who have supported in key roles across every venue, from making sure spectators have the best experience possible, to assisting with media operations and supporting elite cyclists.

UCI President David Lappartient said: “The inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships have taken our sport to new heights. The 13 UCI World Championships that took place in Glasgow and across Scotland united all members of the wide cycling family, bringing together different disciplines, an unprecedented number of nations and a record number of television viewers worldwide. The fantastic welcome from Scotland and the excellent organisation created a clear benchmark for future editions of this magnificent cycling show, that will take place every four years, before the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Paul Bush OBE, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chair, said: “The 2023 Cycling World Championships have brought together around 8000 athletes from over 130 countries, in what has been an unprecedented celebration of cycling. 

“It is testament to Scotland's reputation as a world leading events destination that we were handed this opportunity by the UCI, and I just want to thank everyone who has played a role, from our funding partners to our host regions, the athletes, the spectators and of course the volunteers. Everyone has contributed to a memorable event that has further boosted the nation's reputation as a major event destination.

“Our host venues have thrived, making history in staging world class sporting events and welcoming thousands of visitors over the course of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Signing off with huge crowds of spectators lining the streets of Glasgow to watch the women's elite road race has been very special, providing a fitting finale to an event which has inspired new fans of the sport and showcased Scotland in the best light to the millions watching around the world.” 

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I would like to thank all the athletes, volunteers, and staff, including those from the emergency services and other partner organisations, who played such important roles in delivering this unique and hugely successful event which showed Glasgow and Scotland at their very best.

“I am immensely proud of how the UCI Cycling World Championships showcased our welcoming and inclusive country and have been delighted to see the huge crowds turning out to watch the action. The Championships have undoubtedly been yet another vote of confidence in Scotland as a destination of choice for staging major global events.

“We will work now to ensure this event leaves a lasting legacy that benefits our economy and environment, and that inspires people from all walks of life to be more active and healthier through the power of the bike.”

A great events city

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken said: “From the first race to the last; riders, fans and officials have been telling us that 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will go down in history as not only the biggest, but one of the greatest ever held.

“The UCI approached Glasgow to pioneer this new ‘super’ UCI World Championships because they understood what a great events city this is; what an amazing passion for sport it has – and they knew we were the safest pair of safe hands when it came to making it all work.

“The faith they showed in Glasgow to host a truly global event was remarkable and I’m delighted the city has been able to repay that faith so emphatically – surpassing their expectations and even our own.

“The sport has been fiercely competitive, with racers needing to be at the very peak of their powers to be in contention for medals – and it has drawn huge audiences, on the road, in venues and across the world on television.

“There is nowhere quite like Glasgow when it comes to creating an atmosphere and people who are ready to throw themselves into an event, heart, and soul.

“One of the big themes of this event has been ‘The Power of the Bike’ – and I think these UCI Worlds have also resonated because they have given people an opportunity to rethink their ambitions for what our city can be.

“For Glasgow, the last eleven days have demonstrated that The Power of the Bike is making an already great city more vibrant and healthier; accessible, active and connected.” 

Esther Britten, Head of Major Events at UK Sport said:  “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has been a wonderful showcase for why the UK hosts brilliant major sporting events. Over the past 11 days of competition, we’ve seen some incredible performances, including from a British team who have turned out numerous extraordinary sporting moments, all against a backdrop of passionate and knowledgeable fans who have created a fantastic atmosphere at all the venues. 

“Bringing events like the UCI Cycling World Championships to British shores is only made possible through the support of The National Lottery, so we owe a big thank you to everyone who buys a lottery ticket.”

British Cycling CEO, Jon Dutton, said: “Like so many people I leave the UCI Cycling World Championships feeling incredibly proud of our British riders, whose bold, brave, and brilliant performances have taken this event into the hearts and homes of fans across the country.

“New stars have been born, our household names have delivered in spades, and we now have an amazing opportunity to harness all of that inspiration to ensure that more people ride, race and enjoy our sport in the future.”

The Australian state of Victoria has pulled out of hosting the 2026 Games due to financial considerations, leaving the Commonwealth Games Federation with just three years to find an alternative solution.

“This is hugely disappointing for the Commonwealth Sport Movement, for athletes around the Commonwealth and the Organising Committee who are well advanced in their planning and preparation,” the Commonwealth Games Federation said in a statement. 

The Victorian government cited escalating costs as the reason for backing out of its hosting agreement – but the CGF said that the rising costs were down to Victoria’s choice of delivery model.

“The numbers quoted to us today of $6 billion are 50% more than those advised to the Organising Committee board at its meeting in June,” the statement said. 

“These figures are attributed to price escalation primarily due to the unique regional delivery model that Victoria chose for these Games, and in particular relate to village and venue builds and transport infrastructure. 

“Since awarding Victoria the Games, the Government has made decisions to include more sports and an additional regional hub, and changed plans for venues, all of which have added considerable expense, often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).

“We are disappointed that we were only given eight hours’ notice and that no consideration was given to discussing the situation to jointly find solutions prior to this decision being reached by the Government. 

Up until this point, the Government had advised that sufficient funding was available to deliver the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

“We are taking advice on the options available to us and remain committed to finding a solution for the Games in 2026 that is in the best interest of our athletes and the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.”

The UK city of Birmingham, which stepped in to host the 2022 Games when Durban pulled out five years before the Games, has been mentioned as a possible contingency.

The immediate previous hosts were Gold Coast and Glasgow.

Host City 2023, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, takes place in Glasgow on 20-21 November.

[Source: EventScotland] VisitScotland Events Directorate has today announced the appointment of Rebecca Edser as Head of EventScotland.  

Edser, who will start in September, joins Scotland’s national event organisation from her current role as Senior Major Events Consultant at UK Sport, the national high-performance sport agency which supports Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes and the staging of major sporting events.

With over 13 years’ experience at UK Sport, Edser brings with her a wealth of event experience both at national and international level, including bidding and supporting the staging of major events, as well as managing strategic partnerships across a range of organisations.  

Highlights across her career include the governments Event Research Programme in 2021.  As Head of Delivery, Edser was responsible for teams working with Wembley Stadium, the Brit Awards, Royal Ascot and the Silverstone F1 Grand Prix, the programme not only provided scientific evidence on the transmission of Covid-19 but enabled testing of the covid certification to support the restart and recovery of the sector. 

More recently, Edser has fulfilled a secondment to the Greater London Authority, leading London’s major sports events team, including the management of existing commitments, and the identification and securing of new events and properties.  This has included key strategic work on the submission for UK and Ireland UEFA EURO 2028 bid, and UEFA Champions League Final 2024. 

Prior to her role at UK Sport, Rebecca held roles at London 2012, Scottish Rugby Union and EventScotland as an Event Manager working on a wide-ranging portfolio of sport and cultural events including Piping Live and Glasgow International.

In her new role as Head of EventScotland, Rebecca will be responsible for leading Scotland’s national major event organisation to attract and secure major sporting and cultural events, continue to raise Scotland’s reputation as the perfect stage and support the recovery and growth of a flourishing and competitive events industry.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events said:

“I would like to congratulate Rebecca Edser on her appointment as the new Head of EventScotland. Rebecca brings a passion for both sporting and cultural events, along with a wealth of experience across a range of areas including working with national governing bodies and international federations on the feasibility, bidding and staging of events to ensure they are delivered to a world leading level.

Having worked with Rebecca in the lead up to 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships, I know she will be a valuable addition not only to EventScotland, but to the wider events sector, and our key strategic relationships. Having started her career at EventScotland, we are excited to welcome Rebecca back to the fold in this senior role and I look forward to working with her as we continue to lead, shape and secure events for Scotland, as well as move forward with the refresh of Scotland’s National Events Strategy.”

Rebecca Edser said:

"I am thrilled to have been appointed as the Head of EventScotland. Scotland has an international reputation as an ambitious and innovative host of sporting and cultural events and while the last few years have been challenging for the sector, I believe that there is much to look forward to demonstrated by this summer’s exciting programme of events that includes, the Tall Ships in Lerwick and the inaugural staging of the UCI Cycling World Championships that will take place across Scotland. 

It is an exciting time to re-join the organisation as we look to review and refresh Scotland’s National Events Strategy ‘Scotland the Perfect Stage’, and I very much look forward to establishing partnerships and relationships across Scotland, not only to deliver the new strategy but to ensure that this is a sector that continues to thrive."

Rebecca succeeds current post holder Robbie Clyde who will take up a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Golf.

What are young people focused on and why does the sports industry need to attract them?

David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights: “What we do in sport is sell the dream of the lifestyle of the athlete. What we fail to do, and what is most needed, is sell life purpose.

“As for how we launch this into the future and are able to attract the hearts and minds of young people: my kids have taught me so much about identity, and their sense of what they want to belong to physically, mentally, spiritually and virtually. Their fluidity in terms of their knowledge, scale and skills and experiences at 17-18 years is much wider – and they are much more likely to offer sincerity and authenticity.”

Mayi Cruz Blanco, MD, Sports Practice & Partnerships, Adecco Group: “One issue that is ringing out is public trust. This is influencing the way sponsorship is done. The human rights movement, women in sports and geopolitics are shaping sports like never before.

“By 2025, 50% of the world population will need upskilling, in terms of data and digital literacy. We need to bring sports organisations to that future.”

Bill Powell, MD, Black Lab Sports: “There is a ‘give first’ mentality of Gen Z. A lot of sport is totally underestimating the change in how people from 8-25 are going to consume sport. They might look at their favourite team for only 15 minutes. You need to give first and get their attention.”

What can athletes bring to the professional sphere?

Mayi Cruz Blanco, MD, Sports Practice & Partnerships, Adecco Group: “The sports industry needs to think more about how they bring athletes back. Athletes are positive disruptors. They can bring a business mindset and creative thinking.”

Jeroen Straathof, Tournament Director, European Para Championships 2023: “We use the voice of athletes in the perspective of our event; we let athletes to tell their story. We advise all organisations to get the voice of athletes in their company. We need more athletes on boards.”

Rowena Samarasinhe, Founder, GENsport: “Now athletes have a much stronger voice through social media. It’s taken until now to put athletes first, or at least up there.”

What are the considerations for athletes planning a career in sports?

Jeroen Staathof, Tournament Director, European Para Championships 2023 and former athletes commission chair: “Athletes need to be aware that they are people who can do things really well – but out there are also guitar players who play really well, so you’re not special!”

Xu Lijia OLY, Olympic gold medallist: “When I was training in the 90s I didn’t know English. I was like a frog in a well! Learning English helped me a lot, to access the most advanced information and knowledge. And it helped my second career in sports media. By mastering both Chinese and English I could quickly switch between the two. A multinational experience really helped me to survive well in the western world – and perhaps people here can learn more about China.

“There are lots of courses, online and offline, from IOC other organisations, to help us to experience this difficult transition. As athletes we have many transferable skills – time management with a clear role.”

“But I did feel quite low when I realised I couldn’t compete any more, and I wouldn’t feel as high again.”

David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights: “You need a trauma informed approach. It’s traumatic to reidentify our life purpose.”

Why is it important to have a diverse workforce?

Bill Powell, MD, Black Lab Sports: “Some of the most culturally diverse teams are the ones grabbing onto exponentially growing technology.”

Mayi Cruz Blanco, MD, Sports Practice & Partnerships, Adecco Group: “Diversity is not just about numbers. It’s about making a huge difference in the world. Candidates are declining organisations that are not inclusive enough. You need to bring different groups into the sports industry.”

Rowena Samarasinhe, Founder, GENsport: “We are a global industry, but if you look at federations it’s very much a western ideology. We need to represent the entire world. Its 60 years since Martin Luther King gave his ‘I have a dream’ speech, but we’re in the same situation now, still talking about diversity.

“We have also had a spate of female leaders getting vilified. We’ve got to ride that wave, but get through it. A big part is supporting that next generation and helping them to be our future leaders.”

This announcement builds on the initial overview of road routes revealed last September during the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia. It includes new details and full routes for the road races (Men Elite, Women Elite and Men Under 23), Individual Time Trials (all categories) and Team Time Trial Mixed Relay.

Today’s announcement also unveils the first details of the route for the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships that will take place in Dumfries and Galloway, including the Road Race, Individual Time Trial and Team Relay.

Road races and Team Time Trial Mixed Relay

Throughout these events, the world’s best cyclists will savour some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, with racing taking place across the country. The Men Elite road race takes in Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat from its start in the capital on Sunday 6 August, before heading north across the Firth of Forth via the iconic Queensferry Crossing, then heading west through Fife towards Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling, passing near world-renowned landmarks including  the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, Carron Valley and the Crow Road, before turning towards Glasgow and the specially designed finishing circuit, looping through the west end to the city centre for a spectacular finish alongside George Square.

The Women Elite and Men Under 23 road races will also finish on the Glasgow city circuit, though starting on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond at Balloch, weaving through West and East Dunbartonshire en route via the Crow Road to the finish line in George Square. The Men Under 23 road race takes place on Saturday 12 August with the Women Elite road race, which includes the Women Under 23 category, closing this inaugural and history making competition on Sunday 13 August.

In addition, the Men and Women Junior road races and the Team Time Trial Mixed Relay will start and finish on the Glasgow city circuit on Saturday 5 August and Tuesday 8 August respectively.

Individual Time Trials

Stirling and its surrounding area will host the Individual Time Trials for all categories, with competition beginning on Wednesday 9 August and continuing across three days until Friday 11 August. Riders will set off from the King and Queens Knot in the shadow of Stirling Castle on a fast course that will take them, through the flats of the River Forth to the west across the countryside, before heading back towards Stirling city centre, and finishing on Stirling Castle esplanade.

Para-cycling road

Dumfries and Galloway will welcome the world’s best para-cyclists for four days as they host the para-cycling road competition at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

The region, which lays claim to introducing the first pedal-driven bicycle to the world in 1839, will see athletes competing on single bikes, tandems, tricycles and hand-cycles for the UCI World Championship titles across the varied para-cycling sport classes and the right to wear the coveted rainbow jersey.

Competition will start with Individual Time Trials on Wednesday 9 August and will finish with road races on Saturday 12 August. The routes, which take advantage of Dumfries and Galloway’s stunning cycling terrain, have been designed in conjunction with local partners to showcase the region and present a fitting challenge to the athletes.

Teams will then travel to Glasgow for the Team Relay, which will take place on Sunday 13 August.

Full details for each event, including routes and technical information can be found in the Notes to Editors alongside links to course maps on the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships website. Please note the full course details for the Gran Fondo will be announced in due course.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will bring together 13 existing UCI World Championships into a new mega event in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3 – 13 August.

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chair Paul Bush OBE said: “The announcement of further details for road races and the unveiling of the para-cycling road routes for the first time is another exciting milestone as we continue the final countdown to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships this August.

“The routes will take in some of the country’s most iconic cities and countryside, providing a spectacular backdrop to the action taking place on road and showcasing why Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”

David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale said: “Today’s announcement detailing the road and para-cycling road routes confirms that the competitions will be spectacular. Challenging from a sporting point of view, the routes will also highlight Scotland’s wonderful scenery and rich history. We have all the ingredients for intense and sensational racing, and I cannot wait to witness the action unfold as the athletes battle for glory at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “It’s fantastic to see just how many communities across Scotland will play their part by hosting the road races for this year’s UCI Cycling World Championships. The routes showcase the best of Scotland to both visitors and those watching from home. Scotland’s breath-taking views and iconic landmarks will provide a great backdrop for the drama of the races. I would encourage all those who can do so to get out and see this world-class sporting action right on your doorstep.”

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, said: “We are excited to see the full road race routes now announced for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Glasgow’s iconic George Square, in the heart of the city centre, will provide the exciting, fast finishing straight for most of the Elite races, and before that the athletes will take in laps of the city centre circuit designed to be technically challenging, while showcasing the city to the global tv audience.”

“These races will be a real highlight of our sporting calendar with stars from across the world competing, and of course including these events as part of the competition schedule gives local, national and international sports fans and visitors a fantastic opportunity to see elite riders race past their doorsteps, this summer - for free.”

With something for everyone to enjoy, the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will feature 13 high-adrenaline, exciting UCI World Championships including Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, BMX Racing at Glasgow BMX Centre, BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland) and Trials at Glasgow Green, Indoor Cycling (artistic cycling and cycle-ball) at the Emirates Arena, Mountain Bike Cross-Country, and Marathon in Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley. Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Road and Para-cycling Road across Scotland (a full list of the UCI World Championships is included in the Notes to Editors).

Tickets are on sale now from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the Championships.

[Source: ESA] Sponsorship across Europe continued its post-pandemic recovery in 2022 as the sport sector achieved a record high, according to research from the European Sponsorship Association [ESA] and Nielsen Sports. 

The 2023 ESA Sponsorship Market Overview found that the total value of Europe’s sponsorship market increased by 4.3% over the past year from €27.85bn to €29.05bn. The total volume remained more than €1bn lower than 2018 and 2019 levels, with a record high of €30.69bn measured in 2019. 

The Sponsorship Market Overview covers sport and non-sport, and both sectors enjoyed an increase in 2022 but sport went from surviving to thriving with a record high volume of €20.69bn compared with €19.80bn in 2021 and €20.26bn in 2019. The recovery of the non-sport sector was modest in comparison but still significant with a 3.85% gain from €8.05bn to €8.36bn. 

Nielsen Sports, which has been delivering this annual report since 2008, concluded that the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions was the main contributor to the market growth across sport events, festivals and concerts. Sport also benefited from the staging of major events such as UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and the Commonwealth Games, as well as spill-over from the Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup.  

The authors also noted that the rapid increase in crypto sponsorship had both a positive and negative impact on the industry, bringing a cash injection alongside a degree of volatility due to the instability of the sector. They also acknowledged the negative impact on all markets caused by Russia’s military occupation of Ukraine. 

The Sponsorship Market Overview measures the top 10 markets in Europe, and it found that Spain (14%) and the United Kingdom (10%) were this year’s fastest growers. The report found that Spain had benefited from market stabilisation after the ban on betting sponsorship in 2021, with renewed commercial growth driven by FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, along with the emergence of female athletes as ambassadors. The continued growth of the Premier League was a major contributor to increases in UK sponsorship. 

Samantha Lamberti, Managing Director International, Nielsen Sports, commented: “A look at the figures confirms 2021’s trend: the sponsorship market in Europe is growing for the second year in a row. Lifted restrictions and the increased adaptation of Web 3.0 technologies served as drivers of growth.” 

Andy Westlake, ESA Chairman, added: “The continued recovery of the sponsorship industry is highlighted by Nielsen Sports’ latest Sponsorship Market Overview, which paints a picture of a dynamic and resilient sector. 

“It’s remarkable how well sponsorship has bounced back after the devastating effects of the pandemic, and we all enjoyed the full resumption of in-person sporting and cultural events that contributed to the regrowth of the sector in 2022.  

“To see the volume of the 2022 industry come close to matching pre-pandemic levels underlines the importance of sponsorship to companies across Europe that need to achieve tangible connection with their customers. Sport sponsorship reached record levels last year and I am sure 2023 will see a continued regrowth in non-sport sponsorship. 

“This good news comes in spite of some very profound challenges affecting business stability, not least Russia’s continued military occupation of Ukraine. The 2023 Sponsorship Market Overview also highlights the positive and negative impact of crypto sponsorship on our industry. It’s more important than ever that companies use reliable data to inform their sponsorship decision-making – and this vital annual analysis by Nielsen Sports leads the way in that category.” 

ESA members can click here to see the full report. This report was produced using Nielsen Sports Market Intelligence and is available exclusively to ESA members. The ESA Sponsorship Market Overview has been conducted annually since 2008. 

ESA is a Strategic Partner of Host City.