First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has hailed the UCI Cycling World Championships as an "excellent opportunity to showcase Scotland to the world" as she visited Knightswood to launch ticket sales for the event.
The upcoming event - described as "the biggest celebration of cycling in history" - will take place across the country in August with tickets going on sale at 10am on Thursday, February 23.
The departing First Minister was joined by cabinet secretary Angus Robertson and former BMX Racing UCI World Champion Shanaze Reade at the Glasgow BMX Centre in Knightswood, a venue that will host many events during the 11-day championships.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Hosting the first-ever UCI Cycling World Championships is an excellent opportunity to showcase Scotland to the world, promote cycling and the many benefits it can bring.
"This global event will also deliver important economic benefits for communities throughout the country.
"This is a great opportunity for Scotland to build on our global reputation of hosting world-class events."
Earlier this month, some of Scotland’s most iconic and stunning landmarks were illuminated in the rainbow stripes of the UCI, signifying the locations where the upcoming worlds will take place in Glasgow and across Scotland.
Knightswood BMX track will host BMX racing and Ms Reade insisted the championships are an opportunity to get young people into cycling.
She said: “For me, a bike represents freedom.
"It can open up so many possibilities and teach you so many vital life skills.
"With the UCI Cycling World Championships coming to Glasgow and Scotland this year, we’ve got an enormous opportunity to encourage young people into riding and feel part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
"Seeing the top cyclists in the world take to the streets and arenas around our own country will not only create a great buzz in August but hopefully inspire young riders - perhaps even the next generation of champions, to experience the fun and freedom a bike can bring to their lives.”
The event runs from August 3-13 and tickets can be purchased from the UCI website here.
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