Our "Meet the team" is part of our monthly spotlight on some of the staff across VisitScotland and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. In this feature, hear from Kate Steven, Director of Operations for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
Article published 23/01/2023
Tell us a bit about yourself...
I was born in Fife, went to school in Dundee, studied at university in Edinburgh and I'm now happily based in Glasgow Southside with my Spaniel, Maggie.
My move from Edinburgh to Glasgow was a bit more convoluted than the 45-minute train ride, in fact, it took around 14 years via a range of roles in sports and events.
As a project manager for an international sailing team, I had the chance to work in range of countries (at least those with coastlines!) and more recently I travelled around the coast of the UK managing a sailing adventure for young people in recovery from cancer.
The Scottish West Coast harbours definitely rank amongst my favourite in the world!
What's your role at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships?
Within Cycling World Championships, I'm the Director of Operations. The event consists of 13 world championships (which you can see here: Championships | 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships (cyclingworldchamps.com)). In previous years, these competitions have been run individually, in different locations around the world. This year will be the first time they all come together.
Operation’s remit is to deliver the central facilities and national operations. That means working closely with the internal federation, UCI to ensure the overall championships provides a great event experience for the athletes and other event clients.
We're also working closely with the national agencies such as Police Scotland and Transport Scotland to ensure the 13 days in August runs safely and effectively across Scotland.
You’re part of creating the biggest ever global cycling event taking place here in Glasgow and across Scotland. Why did you want to work on this particular event and what are you most looking forward to?
Getting to use my event experience on home soil to help promote cycling and all its benefits is a pretty exceptional opportunity!
What I'm most looking forward to at event time is actually a sound… that fantastic roar of support from the home crowd as they watch world-class athletes compete in local venues and along our roads!
Do you have a favorite place in Scotland? And where's on your bucket list?
I’m happiest outdoors and, courtesy of Maggie, am now well acquainted with the parks of the greater Glasgow area. My partner is based in Perthshire, so days walking along, or swimming in, the Tay or Loch Ordie, are a staple of my weekends. In the winter a blue-sky day in Glenshee or the Angus glens – with good snow on the ground – is close to unbeatable.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve really enjoyed mini-adventures to the various islands. I’ve focused on going west so far so my bucket list includes the Northern Isles, be that for Up Helly Aa or the days-without-nights of midsummer.
