South of Scotland claims prestigious international UCI Bike Region Label

South of Scotland named UCI Bike Region

A news release from the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership has announced that the South of Scotland has joined a prestigious list of world-leading cycling destinations after being awarded a UCI Bike Region Label.

The South is the first region in Scotland to be awarded the label by cycling’s world governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The label recognises a city or region’s commitment to both elite cycling competition and cycling for all.

The label – which is held by just 26 cities and regions across the globe, including the City of Glasgow – acknowledges locations that not only host major UCI events, but also invest in developing community cycling and related infrastructure and programmes.

The "Hollywood" sign at Glentress for the UCI Cycling World Championships.

The South of Scotland Cycling Partnership and investment

The award was presented to the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership which is made up of local and national partners representing thousands of people across the region. It was their submission to the UCI that highlighted its ground-breaking ten-year strategy, which was launched last year.

The strategy aims to ensure cycling becomes the most popular choice for shorter, everyday journeys by 2032 and has a ten point priority plan with funding of £94 million drawn up.

Investments from partners have included bringing events of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to Dumfries & Galloway (para-cycling road) and the Scottish Borders (mountain bike cross-country). It's estimated that it will boost the South’s economy by £1 million and have attracted 10,000 visitors.

A number of national and local partners in the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership have welcomed the news.

The start line at Glentress for the UCI Cycling World Championships.