Famous Stirling bicycle manufacturer to be celebrated throughout World Championships
One of Scotland’s pioneers of pedal power will be remembered at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 9 August 2023 12:38
Stirling will stage the Individual Time Trials from Wednesday 9 August to Friday 11 August – and the events would have been close to the heart of one of the city’s most famous cycling sons.
George Elrick, designer of some of the most sought after bicycle frames in Great Britain, set up shop in Stirling from 1935 to 1975, branding his bikes with an image of the National Wallace Monument.
One of his bikes, in the possession of the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, will be on display from 9-13 August. It was donated by the late Dick Clark, a former member of the Central Scotland Wheelers.
Stirling Council leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “It’s great to see some of Stirling’s very own cycling heritage being celebrated by the local community within the context of the world’s elite cyclists saddling up on our doorstep.
“Excitement for the largest sporting event ever seen in Stirling is building, and I can’t wait to welcome cycling enthusiasts and visitors from across the world to our city this week. We’re ready to grasp this opportunity to showcase Stirling as a stage for major international sporting and cultural events.
“It’s important that the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships leave a legacy in Stirling that endures as strongly as the Geo-Elrick bicycle frames which were so expertly crafted right here.”
Alistair Denny, a member of Stirling Bike Club, is also an owner of one of these vintage bicycles. He uses it to cycle around Stirling, having painstakingly restored his Geo-Elrick bike for regular use.
He said: “For vintage collectors, the Flying Scot is the classic Scottish bike but the George Elrick, built here in Stirling, is rarer and part of our local history that should be preserved.
“It took about three years to find one. A lady in Ayrshire sold me her uncle’s bike that he had owned from new, purchased from George Elrick’s shop in Lower Bridge Street in 1952. It was in a sorry state and in need of a full restoration but it was one of his high end models, built with top quality materials.
“The rebuild was completed in 2021 and the bike was used in the Stirling Bike Club 10-mile Time Trial along the A811, although I doubt my finishing time will trouble the competitors in the upcoming World TT Championships.
“It will be great to see the best cyclists in the world competing on our local roads, showing us it should be done.”
Trudy Lindblade, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships CEO, said: “We thank Stirling Council and people across the region for hosting the Individual Time Trials – it’s fantastic to see the local community getting involved by celebrating the area’s cycling heritage. The first five days of competition have shown how big and exciting this brand-new event is and an opportunity to showcase Scotland as the perfect stage for major events, while encouraging more people to discover the Power of the Bike. We look forward to welcoming spectators and cycling fans from around the world to Stirling, as the best international riders compete for the World Championship title.”
The Individual Time Trials will feature all categories – Men’s Elite, Women’s Elite, U23 Men and Men and Women Juniors.
More information is available at www.stirling.gov.uk/ucichamps and yourstirling.com
The full event schedule and spectator guides can be accessed by visiting: www.cyclingworldchamps.com.
The 'Get Ready' section of www.cyclingworldchamps.com will act as a practical hub for local residents and businesses, while a new Business Guide has also been added for organisations across Scotland prepare for and welcome the Champs.
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