Village hosts cycling elite
Cream of Europe set to race
A main route between Strathblane and Glasgow is to close next week as a host of the world’s top cyclists fly through the village as part of the European Championships.
But Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas, who was named on the start list, will not be taking part. Green jersey winner Peter Sagan may still be involved.
The multisport event started yesterday (Thursday) and runs until August 12.
The A81 north of Milngavie will close on Wednesday for the men’s cycling time trial.
The event starts at Riverside Museum in Glasgow, with riders leaving from 12.45pm.
They will enter Strathblane via the A81, turning east on to the A891 before heading back to Glasgow on the Glen Road at Campsie Glen.
The women’s event takes place earlier that day. Although it does not enter Stirlingshire, it will have an impact on local transport.
The A891 is set to be closed to all transport on the day between 9am and 5pm to accommodate the race.
Preparations for road closures will start in the days building up to the event and disruption is expected.
Public transport in and out of Stirling via Glasgow is also expected to be busier than normal and parking on race routes will be prohibited.
The A81 from Glasgow to the A807 junction in Milngavie will be closed down to all traffic between 2am and 7am.
And the A81 from the A807 junction in Milngavie through to Strathblane and then along the A891 will be closed down from 9am.
During that period buses between Balfron and Glasgow will be diverted via Blane Smith and Carbeth and terminate at Milngavie. Passengers will then travel between Milngavie and Glasgow by train.
Strathblane and Blanefield will be served by a shuttle service, connecting with buses at Station Road, Killearn. Before 9am and after 5pm, buses will operate normally.
Championship director Colin Hartley said: “Wednesday is set to be one of the most exhilarating days of this multi–sport event.
“To enable this elite sporting event to take place, to the enjoyment of thousands of spectators across the route, closures will be in place in Stirling through Strathblane on the A891.
“We are advising people to please plan ahead and rethink their usual travel on Wednesday.”
Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer said: “This is the first time these championships have taken place and there’s a great sense of pride in having Stirling play a part.
“This is an opportunity for our residents to support and witness an elite sporting event right on their doorstep and, while we realise it will cause disruption to the transport network on the day, we are working with the organisers to ensure information is available and issues are kept to a minimum.”
Strathblane Community Council chair Margaret Vass said: “We are delighted that the cycling time trial is coming through part of our village.
“While the prolonged road closure is an inconvenience, we have warned residents for months. Many are taking a holiday.
“We would encourage people to come to Strathblane for the day to watch. The hairpin bend known locally as the Devil’s Elbow should be exciting, along with the roundabout at the Kirkhouse Inn.
“Visitors will receive a warm welcome and we look forward to visitors also taking time to explore our lovely walks and using our local eating places.”
Organisers asked residents on the race route not to park outisde their property on race day.
Residents who have to make a critical journey on the day can contact the organisers on 0141 287 1118 to make arrangements.
Loch Lomond is also to feature at the games, hosting the open water swimming over 5km, 10km and 25km courses from Wednesday until Sunday.