GLASGOW is gearing up to host a prestigious first World Cycling Championships covering road, track, BMX and mountain biking.

The city has been given an exclusive window of opportunity to become the first city to host the inaugural World Cycling Championships combining 13 existing tournaments.

The event would make Glasgow a “worldwide leader” in major sporting events and use existing facilities from the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships.

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The 13 different races, including road world championships, track cycling, track para-cycling, indoor, BMX, freestyle and trials would mainly be held in Glasgow venues such as the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the Glasgow BMX Centre in Knightwood.

In June 2018, the world governing body for cycling, Union Cycliste International (UCI), announced its intention to launch the new programme in 2023 creating one “mega event”.

Glasgow City Council and EventScotland approached the UCI in recognition of the city’s track record in delivering world-class sporting events.

Glasgow has until February to present its case to the UCI.

If successful various cycling events would take place in Glasgow and other parts of the country, costing the council £15 million of the £45-50 million project.

The event would create jobs, support businesses and attract visitors to the city, benefitting the Scottish economy by £67 million.

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In a report to the councillors, Depute Leader of the council, David McDonald, said: “This will be the biggest cycling event in the world with over 100 countries represented and over 200 World Champions being crowned during the course of the Championships.”

Mr McDonald added: “Being the first ever hosts of this event, which will become the pinnacle of the international cycling competition calendar, will cement Glasgow and Scotland’s position as a worldwide leader and innovator in the planning and delivery of major sporting events.

“Uniquely, We have the opportunity to host a World Championships of this scale, unchallenged, and without the resource and cost implications of undertaking a formal and time-consuming bid process as would be the case for any other World Championships.