A report at today’s Executive set out details of the planning and work required by Council services to deliver this international event safely for both cyclists and local residents.

The 227km road race from Edinburgh to Glasgow will pass through parts of Falkirk, Fife, Stirling and East Dunbartonshire, with 170 top cyclists taking part, including many who have participate in the Tour De France and Olympic Games.

Cyclists will travel a 52km route through towns and villages and Falkirk town centre lasting around 45 minutes on Sunday, 6 August, entering the area at 10.30am.

Preparations are well underway to deliver this significant event which will be televised worldwide.

Hosting the event requires road maintenance and resurfacing works on the route to improve the overall quality of the local road network prior to the race.

Eight sections of road on the race route had previously been identified for upgrade as part of Falkirk Council’s annual road resurfacing programme. A recent joint inspection highlighted six additional areas which are in need of remedial action to bring the road up to standard.

The works identified are a combination of full carriageway resurfacing, permanent patching, and crack sealing. The total cost of these additional works is estimated at approximately £300,000 which will be funded from the Economic Recovery Fund.

Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn said: "I appreciate the effort of services across the Council working together to enable our authority to play its part in what is a huge international event. The UCI Cycle Championships attracts elite cyclists from around the world, and on 6 August our towns and villages will form part of the route for the Elite Men’s cycle race.

“Our Council has an almost unique opportunity to promote our area and landmarks to a global audience. Not only will there be visitors on the day, but we’re looking to create a legacy, both in terms of cycling and green transport along our countryside and cycleways as well as a tourist destination building upon our growing hospitality industry and local businesses, benefitting our local economy and putting Falkirk - and our visitor attractions - on the tourist map of places to visit and stay.

“The additional funding invested into our road network not only allows us to accommodate an international event but also deliver direct benefits to our communities who live within the area."

The cycle peloton, with support vehicles will be moved through the route with a series of rolling roadblocks, facilitated by Police Scotland motorcyclists and a private transport management company.

Certain areas of the route may require full road closures depending on risk.