SPECTATORS will have the chance to catch a mega cycling event in the Wee County as it briefly passes through the area this weekend.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will kick off in the country tomorrow, Thursday August 3, with some 8,000 elite and amateur competitors from more than 120 countries taking part.

Neighbouring Stirling will host the Individual Time Trials but fans of the sport in the Wee County will not have to travel too far as the Men's Elite Road Race on Sunday, August 6, will briefly pass through the eastern sections of the area.

Cyclists make their way across the Clackmannanshire Bridge after taking a sharp left turn at the Kilbagie Roundabout just east of Kennet on the A876 in a 271km race from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

Clackmannanshire Council told the Advertiser it is pleased to support the championships, which is bringing together 13 existing UCI worlds into one grand event for the first time.

A spokesperson said: "The race passes through Kilbagie Roundabout, then over the Clackmannanshire Bridge from approximately 10.25am until 10.40am.

“The road between the Gartarry and Kilbagie Roundabouts will be closed whilst the race passes through.

"The road onto Gartarry Roundabout from Kennet will also be closed from 9.30am, but will be reopened as soon as the race passes through.

“All other roads leading to and from Gartarry Roundabout will remain open.

“Diversions will be in place via A907, A977 east, B9140 and B910.

"Residents are advised to take this event and the road closures into account when planning journeys on Sunday morning.”

For those looking to catch other events in Stirling, Glasgow, Edinburgh or event as far as the Nevis Range at Fort William, ScotRail has confirmed it will operate more services and trains with additional stops to provide reliable, convenient and sustainable travel options for customers attending during the championships.

On Sunday, August 6, and Sunday, August 13, all trains running between Glasgow Central and Motherwell/Larkhall will make additional stops at Dalmarnock station.

This strategic move will facilitate smooth travel for spectators attending events at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the Emirates Arena.

To support travel to and from the Mountain Bike Downhill event at Nevis Range and Resort in Fort William, additional services will be operational between Glasgow Queen Street and Fort William between Thursday, August 3 and Saturday, August 5.

ScotRail is advising customers that road closures around Glasgow impact the shuttle bus service between Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central throughout the event.

Pedestrian walkways between Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central will remain available, however, customers who require connecting transport should consider changing trains at Partick, where possible, for services to Glasgow Queen Street Low Level or Glasgow Central Low Level.

Customers travelling to or from the east, should consider using services between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Shotts, where possible.