The biggest cycling event in the world is coming to Glasgow and they are looking for volunteers.
The volunteer recruitment drive is being led by official volunteer champions, renowned tennis coach Judy Murray and STV weather forecaster Sean Batty.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are the first-ever event of its kind, bringing together over 8000 elite and amateur cyclists to compete in 13 world championship contests over 11 days.
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Cycling enthusiasts Judy and Sean were joined by Scottish track cycling medallist Jack Carlin on Kelvin Way today where they mounted their bikes to call on volunteers across the country to take part in the event.
Next year from August 3 to 13, Glasgow and across Scotland will host the inaugural championships and are looking to fill over 4,000 volunteer roles.
Long-time volunteer Jimmy Johnston, 72, told The Glasgow Times: “I’ve been volunteering for 54 years.
“I get a great buzz out of helping others achieve beyond their own expectations.
“Volunteering for this, it’s a massive event. It’s bringing a first-of-its-kind to the city and I like doing a first-of-its-kind, I think that’s phenomenal.
“Glasgow has a history of hosting great events and they’re going to have 13 different championships in the greater Glasgow area and further around Scotland and 190 champions.
“What a glorious opportunity for volunteers to mix with celebrities and athletes of such high calibre.”
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Renowned coach and mother to tennis legends Andy and Jamie, Ms Murray said: “I know how important the volunteering community is across sport – tennis throughout Scotland is underpinned by a dedicated network of coaching volunteers.
“I am passionate about people of all ages getting involved and have seen for myself how vibrant that volunteer community is in this country.
“Just like the Commonwealth Games and UEFA EURO 2020, people will come from all over the country and beyond, help support a unique event, reunite with old friends and make new friends for life.
She added: “I am so glad that I took up cycling again during the pandemic.
“As someone who had spent a lifetime with the boys travelling the world on the tennis tour or doing my own work with my foundation and other projects, I suddenly found I had no outlet during the pandemic until I got back on the bike.
“It helped my physical health, improved my mental health and allowed me to savour Scotland’s natural beauty again, which you took for granted beforehand.
“I can’t overstate how much it helped me and I encourage anyone, but especially girls and women, mothers and grandmothers, to get involved. I look forward to seeing you there!”
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Weather presenter and cycling enthusiast Sean Batty added: “I love cycling, I love the sense of freedom and adventure and the ability to explore our beautiful country up close.
“I would encourage everyone to apply today for what will be a truly memorable event.
“While I can’t guarantee perfect cycling weather conditions, I can assure everyone that Scotland will be ready to put on a show that the whole country will be proud of.”
To get involved, visit: https://www.cyclingworldchamps.com/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/
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