World cycling a £205m boost to Scots economy

Scotland hosting the world’s largest-ever cycling championships last year generated more than £200 million for the country’s economy and attracted nearly one million spectators, according to an independent evaluation.

The 11-day UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Cycling World Championships in August featured morethan7,000ridersfrom 131 countries watched by a TV audience of 537 million.

Consultants EY said it generated £205m of economic activity and created the equivalent of 5,285 jobs in Scotland, more than half of both in Glasgow where the championships were concentrated. One third of spectators came from outside Scotland and nearly 90,000 from outside the UK.

The assessment found 79 per cent of Scottish residents questioned said they intended to cycle more because of the event. However, the championships sparked controversy in the arts sector after it went £8m over budget on top of £36m of Scottish Government funding at a time when Creative Scotland faced a £4m budget cut.

EY UK chief economist Peter Arnold said: “The championships successfully delivered social benefits for local residents as well as driving significant economic impact."

UCI president David Lappartient said "the championships were an unprecedented success at every level”.

Paul Bush, chair of the 2023 championships, said: “Scotland’s reputation as the perfect stage for events is recognised nationally and internationally, and its enviable global reputation as a major events powerhouse was further reinforced.”

Sarah Mcmonagle of campaigners Cycling UK, said: “The true legacy of last summer's cycling extravaganza will be when more people choose to ride a bike for local journeys rather than jumping in their car.”