Posted on: 17th June 2013
Press Release: Glasgow City Council
The Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails, the venue for both Mountain Bike competitions at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, were officially opened today (Tuesday, 18 June).
With only 400 days remaining until the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails are now complete and open to the public.
Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, was joined by Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport; mountain biker Rab Wardell, who is aiming to be selected for Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014; David Grevemberg, CEO of Glasgow 2014, and Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, to mark the official unveiling.
The £600,000 facility, which overlooks the city at Cathkin Braes Country Park, is also available to the public before and after the Games and free to use.
An action-packed 5.5km circuit was designed by the renowned Phil Saxena, the man behind the Beijing Olympic course and several UCI World Cup venues, in partnership with an in-house team at Glasgow City Council.
The course features mixed terrain, such as moorland, woodland and hillside bedrock, in a stunning setting, with links to local cycle routes. It has graded technical trail features and path widths, meaning it is suitable for riders of all abilities; but more skilled athletes will have a time advantage during racing.
Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said: “Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and there has already been huge interest in these trails from riders in the city and much further afield.
“Even before they were finished, everyone from elite athletes to local kids were visiting the site and trying out each new challenge.
“This is a really exciting addition to Glasgow’s top class sporting facilities – and, like all of the council venues that will be used during the Games, it is open to the public more than a year before the Opening Ceremony.”
Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said: “The new trails are an exciting new addition to Glasgow’s sporting landscape. Mountain biking makes a massive contribution to Scotland, whether through increasing the number of visitors or improving health.
“Cathkin Braes will further cement Scotland’s image as a leader of hosting world class sporting events, as well as leaving a great legacy for Glasgow.”
Michael Cavanagh, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “It is fantastic to see this Games venues now open, and also accessible to our top mountain bike athletes for training and competition to prior to the Games next year. Our athletes are really excited about a home Games and having this course on their doorstep will be of huge benefit in their preparations.
“It will also be one of the iconic venues of the Games, overlooking the city and with some fantastic features that will test all of the riders and we urge the Scottish public to come out here and support us next year.”
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive, Glasgow 2014, said: “The completion of works at Cathkin Braes marks another step on our journey towards finishing the permanent venues this year to host world-class sporting competition at Glasgow 2014.
“Through the inspiration of seeing the Commonwealth’s best riders challenged on a brand new mountain bike course, the Mountain Bike events offer a fantastic opportunity to get more people involved in cycling.
“I was fortunate enough to be involved in the competition for young people to name the various technical features on the track and I’m looking forward next summer to watching the world’s best as they navigate obstacles such as Brig O’Doom and Broken Biscuits.”
Craig Burn, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, said: “Scottish Cycling are delighted that the Commonwealth Games trails at Cathkin Braes are now open for public use.
“Having local, safe and accessible facilities, as well as those that host major events, is what will continue to support the growth and provide an invaluable resource for Scotland’s cyclists and visitors to Scotland. Cycling continues to grow in popularity and our membership is growing from strength to strength.
“Scottish Cycling are passionate about riding bikes. We want to spread this passion throughout Scotland and the UK and get as many people involved in cycling as we possibly can.”
Cathkin Braes will host the British Mountain Bike XC Championships on 20-21 July 2013.
