2023-07-31 18:49:00
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For the first time, a World Championships with all cycling disciplines will take place in Glasgow. A big task for the Swiss association.
From August 3rd to 13th, the cycling world champions will be determined in a multi-event in Glasgow for the first time. A total of over 8000 athletes are involved in 218 decisions in all categories of 13 different disciplines. The competitions take place in Glasgow, but also in the surrounding area such as in the Highlands.
Around 130 athletes will compete in Scotland for Switzerland. For comparison: At the Olympic Games, the Swiss cycling team is around 20 strong. “It really is a mega event that we have never experienced on this scale. The challenge was that all the communication, all the structures, run differently than usual when you only have one reason at a time,” explains Head of Mission Patrick Müller.
Practically everyone who moves at this level in the cycling circus will be there, either as a participant or as a supervisor.
The Olympics remain the biggest in terms of media attention. The new World Cup format overshadows everything for the association in terms of preparation. In addition to the numerous athletes, a large staff is also needed. “Practically everyone who moves at this level in the cycling circus will be there, either as a participant or as a supervisor.”
However, the focus is clearly on the Olympic disciplines (road, track, BMX and mountain biking). The delegations in the other disciplines, such as indoor cycling, would of course be given the best possible support.
Immense logistical effort
Swiss Cycling has also ventured into new dimensions when it comes to material. “We transport all sorts of material because we really have all disciplines in these two weeks. This is the first time for us. We’re really looking forward to it, but first of all we’re just happy when everything arrives safely and completely in Glasgow,” explains Müller.
How can you imagine the amount of material? Müller: “Let’s take Stefan Küng as an example, who will contest the time trial and the road race. He has four bikes with him, two time trial bikes and two for the road. Nino Schurter has two mountain bikes.»
A total of 13 vehicles – three passenger cars and ten trucks – are tackling the journey to Scotland. Arriving by plane was out of the question given the wealth of material. “We also need the vehicles on site to transport the drivers and the material.” In the meantime, the athletes will fly to Glasgow and will be accommodated in different hotels depending on the location.
Sporting success as a hoped-for reward
In addition to the great logistical effort, the financial one is also significant. “This World Cup is a very expensive affair, we’re talking about several 100,000 francs.” But the big effort should be worth it, as Müller is hoping for successful title fights for the Swiss team: “We are currently in the fortunate situation that we can really have a say in all disciplines.”
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