Worlds: They have made us proud

AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner has thanked athletes, staff and organisers for their outstanding efforts at the first all-discipline UCI World Championships in Scotland.

After nearly two weeks of competition, the ARA Australian Cycling team consisting of 121 athletes finished with 38 medals: seven gold, 21 silver, and 10 bronze across road, track, mountain bike and BMX.

“It’s certainly been a celebration of cycling, with all disciplines competing in and around Glasgow; a rare opportunity to showcase the sport’s diversity and to bring our talent together,” Fechner commented.

From the sunshine of the BMX freestyle park to the windswept wet hills of the Tweed Valley at the downhill and the cobblestones roads around the city of Glasgow, the striking indigenous pattern of the Australian kit was on display for all the world to see.

“There have been so many outstanding performances from the ARA Australian Cycling Team. From rainbow jerseys to podium finishes and personal bests, we’ve seen our athletes and staff put everything into these championships, and we’ll no doubt take many learnings into our final Paris preparations.

“I’d like to acknowledge all the athletes that make up the ARA Australian Cycling Team. They wore the green and gold with pride and made us proud.”

It’s the biggest cycling team that has ever represented Australia, which also included Gran Fondo and BMX Challenge riders, as well as 80 support staff.

“I’d also like to congratulate the organising committee, led by Trudy Lindblade, and the UCI for delivering the first-ever championships in this format. And finally, thank the Scottish public for welcoming us and coming out in force to support the event,” she said.

The world championships will return to its normal format next year with road and para road cycling to be held in Zurich, track in Denmark, BMX in America and mountain biking in Andorra.

Attention also now turns to preparations for Paris 2024 Olympics, with qualification events continuing into 2024 for most disciplines.

Photo Credit: SWpix.com