The Great Eight

It's not every day Scotland hosts a world first, but come August 3 that's exactly what will happen - and it's all about pedal power!

- CHAE STRATHIE

IN the first ever event of its kind, the UCI Cycling World Championships will see hundreds of the world's greatest cyclists descend on Glasgow and other venues across the country to fight it out for top billing in the bike world.

For 11 days from August 3-13 the cream of the crop will compete at the highest level over 13 championships across seven disciplines, from road races to mountain biking, BMX battles to para cycling, and not forgetting the indoor races at the world-class Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

Here are eight great places, people and events connected to Scottish cycling and the UCI Cycling World Championships.

Para-Cycling

Taking place in Dumfries and Galloway and Glasgow City, the Para-Cycling championships see riders with cerebral palsy, visual impairments and physical impairments ride the same events under the same rules as their non-disabled counterparts. Spectators will see four styles of bikes being used by competitors, depending on their impairment typical road bike, tandem, handcycle and tricycle. The Mixed Team Relay, which will be held on Glasgow's city circuit, features teams of three handcyclists hurtling through the streets, one at a time. As with relay events in any sport, great coordination and communication are the top priority as a small error could cost these top athletes a chance to take a medal home from Glasgow.

BMX Freestyle