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United Kingdom
UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE CROSS-COUNTRY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023
Official fan and amateur participant travel and experiences provider of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland
Why Book This Trip?
The UCI World Championships are coming to Scotland in August 2023. Sportive Breaks are the official fan and amateur participant travel and experiences provider of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and Scotland.
The 2023 UCI Cross-Country MTB World Championships will take place at Glentress in the Tweed Valley as part of the first ever multi-discipline Cycling World Championships, taking place throughout Scotland between 3 – 13 August. It’s a busy week of cross-country mountain biking with five different types of event and multiple medal categories within those.
Sunday 6th August 2023 – Cross-Country Marathon World Championships
Tuesday 8th August & Thursday 10th August 2023 – Cross-Country Short Course World Championships
Wednesday 9th August – Cross-Country Team Relay World Championships
Wednesday 9th August – e-MTB Cross-Country World Championships
Thursday 10th – Saturday 12th August – Olympic Cross-Country World Championships
These Championships, featuring 13 World Championships across 7 disciplines including MTB Cross-Country will be the biggest showcase of two-wheeled action that the world has seen. The World Championships are the one-off, single chance to win World Champion medals and coveted rainbow jerseys, riding for country first and trade team second.
Choice of packages: Book Hospitality tickets with hotel for either the XC Marathon, Junior XCO & XC Short Track or the Elite XCO
Book with the official travel partner: Official tickets and the best access with Sportive Breaks.
Choose your trip to the 2023 UCI Mountain Bike Cross-Country Championships
6 - 12 August
The variety of technical terrain at Glentress will challenge even the most seasoned MTB Marathon and Cross-Country riders. As one of Scotland’s original trail centres, the ground may be rough going, but it’s hallowed too. New legends will fight their way up leg-burning climbs through dense fir wood forests, eventually giving way to breath-taking views of the Tweed Valley before swooping switchback descents with jumps, tabletops, and fast flowing berms. The trails here are a crazy rush to ride and the same to spectate, so soak in every second of the action with us at Glentress.
Available packages for the 2023 UCI Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Championships at Glentress
Book this package to get exclusive VIP hospitality at Glentress for the Cross-Country Marathon on Sunday 6th August.
Included with this package:
- Hotel in Edinburgh for 2 nights (5th and 6th of August)
- Breakfasts
- Transfer from the hotel to Glentress on Sunday 6th of August
- Hospitality ticket for the MTB Marathon Elite Finals on Sunday 6 August – please see below what is included with this* Please refer to the itinerary to read more about what’s included.
- ABTA protected.
Also available at a supplement
- Single occupancy supplement
- Extra nights in Edinburgh
Book this package to get exclusive VIP hospitality at Glentress for the Junior Olympic Cross-Country and the Elite Short Track Finals on Thursday 10th August.
Included with this package:
- Hotel in Edinburgh for 2 nights (9th and 10th of August)
- Breakfasts
- Transfer from the hotel to Glentress on 10th of August
- Hospitality tickets for the MTB Elite Short Track and Junior Olympic Finals on Thursday 10th of August
- ABTA protected.
Also available at a supplement
- Single occupancy supplement
- Extra nights in Edinburgh
Book this package to get exclusive VIP hospitality at Glentress for the Elite Men’s and Women’s Olympic Cross-Country on Saturday 12th August.
Included with this package:
- Hotel in Edinburgh for 2 nights (11th and 12th August)
- Breakfasts
- Transfer from the hotel to Glentress on 10th of August
- Hospitality for the Elite XCO Olympic on Thursday 10th of August
- ABTA protected.
Also available at a supplement
- Single occupancy supplement
- Extra nights in Edinburgh
- Hotel in Edinburgh for 3 nights (10th – 12th August)
- Breakfasts
- Transfer from the hotel to Glentress on 11th & 12th of August
- Standard ticket for the U23 XC Olympic on Friday 11th of August and Hospitality for the Elite XC Olympic on Saturday 12th of August
- ABTA protected.
Also available at a supplement
- Single occupancy supplement
- Extra nights in Edinburgh
Itinerary – Package 1 – VIP Hospitality - XC Marathon
Day To Day
Please make your own arrangements to arrive in Edinburgh and meet us at our hotel.
Evening meal is not included at the hotel, you can choose to travel into Edinburgh city centre to soak up the excellent atmosphere of the Fringe festival at one of the many restaurants or bars.
Our hotel
The Travelodge Edinburgh Park is a new hotel in a great location for travellers wanting to discover the city. Edinburgh Park Station is just 1km away and Edinburgh Airport only 5km away. There is free parking on site. Travelodge PLUS gives you more style and comfort with all the great value you’d expect from a Travelodge.
Please refer to the hotel details page of the hotel to find out more about what’s included with your stay.
This morning after breakfast in the hotel our coach will transport you directly to the event at Glentress for a full day’s activities.
Today at Glentress the Elite Men and Women will take on the MTB XC Marathon course, followed by the amateur riders who will battle over the gruelling 100km course. This race is a true test of technical mountain biking skills, combined with super endurance to pick lines through tricky sections when fatigued. You will be able to enjoy hospitality with a prime viewing location, TV screens showing footage from around the course and hot food and drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the day’s entertainment.
Included with Hospitality at Glentress
- Priority drop off at the event arena for our vehicle
- Lounge Space – Dedicated space with TV feed and easy access to event. Casual lounge seating and standing arrangement.
- Dedicated spectator area for hospitality guests
- Food – Hot food served at agreed times.
- Beverages – Alcohol service during agreed times. Tea, coffee, and water available throughout
- Toilets for exclusive use of Hospitality Clients
After breakfast, please check out of the hotel and make your own arrangements for onward travel.
Itinerary – Package 2 – VIP Hospitality Junior XCO & Short Track XC
Day To Day
Please make your own arrangements to arrive in Edinburgh and meet us at our hotel.
Evening meal is not included at the hotel, you can choose to travel into Edinburgh city centre to soak up the excellent atmosphere of the Fringe festival at one of the many restaurants or bars.
Our hotel
The Travelodge Edinburgh Park is a new hotel in a great location for travellers wanting to discover the city. Edinburgh Park Station is just 1km away and Edinburgh Airport only 5km away. There is free parking on site. Travelodge PLUS gives you more style and comfort with all the great value you’d expect from a Travelodge.
Please refer to the hotel details page of the hotel to find out more about what’s included with your stay.
This morning after breakfast in the hotel our coach will transport you directly to the event at Glentress for a full day’s activities.
Thursday is a big day of MTB action with both XCO for the Junior Men and Women and the Elite Short Track Finals. The Junior Men and Women will take on the full loop of the Glentress course, tackling challenging rocky features and testing new obstacles. A classic Scottish MTB venue, with fantastic new additions will have the Junior riders tested to their limits as they go in search of the rainbow jersey and a World Championship title.
Later, the Elite male and female riders will take on the 1.5km short track course, with fast and furious wheel to wheel action for around 20 minutes. This race is all about pure speed – negotiating tricky course features, steep descents and short, sharp climbs. It’s a big marker to lay down before their full-distance XC race on Saturday. Racing will go on into the evening and following the victory ceremonies we will transport you back to your hotel in Edinburgh.
You will be able to enjoy hospitality with a prime viewing location, TV screens showing footage from around the course and hot food and drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the day’s entertainment.
Included with Hospitality at Glentress
- Priority drop off at the event arena for our vehicle
- Lounge Space – Dedicated space with TV feed and easy access to event. Casual lounge seating and standing arrangement.
- Dedicated spectator area for hospitality guests
- Food – Hot food served at agreed times.
- Beverages – Alcohol service during agreed times. Tea, coffee, and water available throughout
- Toilets for exclusive use of Hospitality Clients
Evening meal is not included at the hotel, you can choose to travel into Edinburgh city centre to soak up the excellent atmosphere of the Fringe festival at one of the many restaurants or bars.
After breakfast, please check out of the hotel and make your own arrangements for onward travel.
Itinerary – Package 3 – Elite Men's & Women's Olympic Cross-Country
Day To Day
Please make your own arrangements to arrive in Edinburgh and meet us at our hotel.
Evening meal is not included at the hotel, you can choose to travel into Edinburgh city centre to soak up the excellent atmosphere of the Fringe festival at one of the many restaurants or bars.
Our hotel
The Travelodge Edinburgh Park is a new hotel in a great location for travellers wanting to discover the city. Edinburgh Park Station is just 1km away and Edinburgh Airport only 5km away. There is free parking on site. Travelodge PLUS gives you more style and comfort with all the great value you’d expect from a Travelodge.
Please refer to the hotel details page of the hotel to find out more about what’s included with your stay.
This morning after breakfast in the hotel our coach will transport you directly to the event at Glentress for a full day’s activities.
Today at Glentress is the final day of MTB XC action with the Elite Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) race. The world’s best riders – with some of the biggest names in cycling expected on the start list – will take on the full loop of the Glentress course, tackling challenging rocky features and testing new obstacles. A classic Scottish MTB venue, with fantastic new additions will have the Elite riders tested to their limits as they go in search of the rainbow jersey and a World Championship title.
You will be able to enjoy hospitality with a prime viewing location, TV screens showing footage from around the course and hot food and drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the day’s entertainment.
Included with Hospitality at Glentress
- Priority drop off at the event arena for our vehicle
- Lounge Space – Dedicated space with TV feed and easy access to event. Casual lounge seating and standing arrangement.
- Dedicated spectator area for hospitality guests
- Food – Hot food served at agreed times.
- Beverages – Alcohol service during agreed times. Tea, coffee, and water available throughout
- Toilets for exclusive use of Hospitality Clients
Evening meal is not included at the hotel, you can choose to travel into Edinburgh city centre to soak up the excellent atmosphere of the Fringe festival at one of the many restaurants or bars.
After breakfast, please check out of the hotel and make your own arrangements for onwards travel.
Itinerary – Package 4 – U23 Men's & Womens & Elite Men's & Women's Olympic Cross-Country
Day To Day
Please make your own arrangements to arrive in Edinburgh and meet us at our hotel.
Evening meal is not included at the hotel, you can choose to travel into Edinburgh city centre to soak up the excellent atmosphere of the Fringe festival at one of the many restaurants or bars.
Our hotel
The Travelodge Edinburgh Park is a new hotel in a great location for travellers wanting to discover the city. Edinburgh Park Station is just 1km away and Edinburgh Airport only 5km away. There is free parking on site. Travelodge PLUS gives you more style and comfort with all the great value you’d expect from a Travelodge.
Please refer to the hotel details page of the hotel to find out more about what’s included with your stay.
This morning after breakfast in the hotel our coach will transport you directly to the event at Glentress for a full day’s activities.
Today at Glentress is the turn of the rising stars of MTB XC with the Under 23 Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) race. These riders are developing and their race craft provides action which is thrilling and fearless. They will be giving it their all and throwing themselves and their bikes down huge obstacles and up climbs at blistering speeds in search of the rainbow stripes.
You will be able to have a standard ticket to access the event, giving you freedom to explore the course and get up close with the action track side on the massive new features being built for the races.
Evening meal is not included at the hotel, you can choose to travel into Edinburgh city centre to soak up the excellent atmosphere of the Fringe festival at one of the many restaurants or bars.
This morning after breakfast in the hotel our coach will transport you directly to the event at Glentress for a full day’s activities.
Today at Glentress is the final day of MTB XC action with the Elite Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) race. The world’s best riders – with some of the biggest names in cycling expected on the start list – will take on the full loop of the Glentress course, tackling challenging rocky features and testing new obstacles. A classic Scottish MTB venue, with fantastic new additions will have the Elite riders tested to their limits as they go in search of the rainbow jersey and a World Championship title.
You will be able to enjoy hospitality with a prime viewing location, TV screens showing footage from around the course and hot food and drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the day’s entertainment.
Included with Hospitality at Glentress
- Priority drop off at the event arena for our vehicle
- Lounge Space – Dedicated space with TV feed and easy access to event. Casual lounge seating and standing arrangement.
- Dedicated spectator area for hospitality guests
- Food – Hot food served at agreed times.
- Beverages – Alcohol service during agreed times. Tea, coffee, and water available throughout
- Toilets for exclusive use of Hospitality Clients
Evening meal is not included at the hotel, you can choose to travel into Edinburgh city centre to soak up the excellent atmosphere of the Fringe festival at one of the many restaurants or bars.
After breakfast, please check out of the hotel and make your own arrangements for onwards travel.
More About the 2023 UCI Mountain Bike Cross-Country at Glentress
Venue
Edinburgh is very easy to get to, with excellent road, rail and airport links. With major motorways from all directions you can easily arrive in your car, or take the train into Edinburgh Waverly right in the heart of the city. Edinburgh airport is just a couple of miles from our hotel at Edinburgh Park, and Edinburgh Park is very well serviced with regular trams into Edinburgh city centre which are a quick and efficient way to get around.
We will provide a coach transfer from the hotel in Edinburgh directly dropping off at the event venue at Glentress. This is a 30 mile journey into the heart of the Scottish Borders, however with event traffic and small roads we expect this to take a bit longer than usual so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery on the way.
About the Event
The UCI MTB Cross-Country World Championships return to Scotland for the first time since 2007, when they were contested in Fort William alongside the MTB Downhill Championships. However, this is the first time that they have been held in the Tweed Valley with the iconic home of Scottish mountain biking, Glentress, laying down the course for the world’s best riders to contest the rainbow jerseys. Scotland has a rich heritage of MTB events, having played host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 European Championships at Cathkin Braes in Glasgow. With five days of racing at Glentress, and five different types of MTB cross-country, it’s a packed schedule and there is something for everyone – with races from 20 minutes up to 100km across the week.
The week kicks off with the Cross-country Marathon Championships, a 100km test of skill and stamina – a race not just for the Elite categorised riders. With over 190 riders between the Men’s and Women’s races in Denmark last year, it will be a true spectacle to watch. New Zealand’s Sam Gaze will be looking to defend his rainbow stripes while the incredibly talented and multiple world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot is the reigning women’s Champion for Marathon. Last year Britain’s Annie Last was just edged into silver in a battle for the line so home interests could be high in this race.
The Cross-Country Short Track is a thrilling format – short, fast and furious races that last just 20 minutes and are full gas from start to finish. It’s a large pack of riders, going wheel to wheel and there are always exciting features, technical climbs and crashes as riders push themselves to the limit. Showing their prowess at both ends of the endurance spectrum, it is again Sam Gaze and Pauline Ferrand Prevot who are the reigning World Champions. This is where we could see British riders going for the titles, with Evie Richards and Tom Pidcock both highly-experienced and skilled Short Track racers.
The Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) races are what most would know as the traditionally popular format of MTB XC racing. These races feature multiple laps of approximately 15 minutes with a total race time of about an hour and a half from a bunch start to potentially a sprint finish after brutal racing on technical, hilly, rocky and rooty terrain. With 10 XCO World Championship titles under his belt, reigning champion Nino Schurter will be looking to add another rainbow jersey while in the women’s race, defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot will be hoping for her 5th XCO World title. Home crowd interests are high in the Elite race with 2021 World Champion Evie Richards hoping to make her return to form following her 2022 Commonwealth Games victory, while Tom Pidcock is the reigning Olympic Champion from Tokyo.
Important information
The UCI MTB XC World Championships take place at Glentress, in the Tweed Valley the 8th highest mountain in Scotland. As this event takes place in a remote location in the Scottish Borders, you should come prepared to spend all day outdoors and for changeable weather weather. Sturdy shoes are recommended to get the most out of the experience and to be able to adventure up the hillside to spectator spots, and a good waterproof jacket will protect against the elements. It’s not all rain the Scotland, and some sunscreen and a hat will make sure you can make the most of the sunshine too.
It will also be peak midge season – those small biting bugs that Scotland is so famous for! Pack some insect repellent and consider a midge head net for some extra comfort.
BOOK NOW
Sportive Breaks are part of the Destination Sport Experiences Group. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team [email protected]
2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
3 - 13 August
In the first event of its kind - never seen nor cycled before - the world’s greatest riders will come together in Glasgow and across Scotland in August 2023 to compete at the highest level over thirteen world championships. Across various venues in Scotland we will celebrate cycling and cycling culture for the first time with this many cycling disciplines on show in the same location. Don't miss out and be part of this once in a lifetime event with Sportive Breaks
