IT is a ground-breaking and multi-faceted initiative that aims to make Scotland one of Europe’s top cycling nations. The first ever women’s tour of Scotland begins today and the race is on to build a legacy that will inspire generations of women and girls to get on their bikes.
The Women’s Tour of Scotland?
It’s a three-day, three-stage, 350km cycling tour that begins today in Dundee and concludes on Sunday in Edinburgh. It's intended by organisers to be a long-term fixture in the events calendar that draws global participation and interest.
And it’s the inaugural event?
Yes, the first ever women’s tour that will be contested by many of the top women’s teams in the world, along with the cream of Great Britain and Scotland’s female cycling talents.
Between 18-20 of the world’s leading elite teams will be taking part and the Women’s Tour of Scotland has proved a welcome addition to the international calendar of the worldwide governing body for cycling, the UCI.
It’s expected to be a big draw in the cycling calendar?
Organisers describe it a a three-day celebration of cycling across five cities and “scores of towns and villages along the 350km route”.
They estimate there will be 100,000 spectators along the way, as the event draws visitors, fans and cycling enthusiasts from across the UK, Europe and worldwide, with a carnival atmosphere promised at each stage start and finish.
Where does it begin exactly?
It officially departs from Dundee’s waterfront area today on the first 103km stage, which will take in the Tay Road Bridge and travel down through the Kingdom of Fife to finish in Pittencrief Park, Dunfermline.
Stage two covers what area?
It’s a 139.4km route, leaving tomorrow from George Square in Glasgow, sweeping through The Trossachs and finishing in the centre of Perth.
And the event finishes in Edinburgh?
On Sunday, yes. The final stage will begin and end in the tranquil setting of Holyrood Park.
Seasoned race director, Alan Rushton, said: “The 118.3km stage will include three Queen of the Mountain climbs which will make the final 18kms of the Tour decisive.”
King of the Mountains is the title given to the best climber in a cycling road race, officially termed as the “mountains” classification. And for women's cycle racing, a similar term is used: Queen of the Mountains.
And the long-term aim?
The tour aims to break ground in a number of areas, bringing a Women’s Tour before a Men’s and offering parity of prize money equivalent to a men’s race from day one. It also will strive to be the most digitally connected cycling event in the world, reaching an audience of fans, enthusiasts and beginners over the next five years.
But the main aim, organisers have promised, is to build a legacy and development programme that will inspire women and girls to start cycling – for sport, for fun, for health, for the freedom found on two wheels.
The government believe it will inspire new generations?
Scotland’s minister for public health, sport and wellbeing, Joe Fitzpatrick, said: “With the Cycling World Championships coming to Scotland in 2023, this event adds to our drive to become one of Europe’s top cycling nations with cycling firmly embedded across Scotland as the favoured way to travel to school and work, as an enjoyable leisure activity and an efficient way to improve health.”
And cyclists also believe in the power of the pedal?
Event ambassador, Eileen Roe, the former British National Circuit Race Champion, said: “When I first began racing there were hardly any girls cycling, I would be racing against the boys. To have a race like this will mean young girls can be inspired to get out on a bike”.
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