Cyclists across the United Kingdom are invited to take part in the 23 Million Mile Challenge before the UCI World Cycling Championships begin in August ©UCI

Scotland's most successful international cyclist Chris Hoy has helped launch a "23 Million Mile Challenge," to mark 100 days until the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Championships in Scotland this August.

"I’m thrilled to help mark today’s milestone and kickstart the 23 Million Mile Challenge by logging some of the first miles as part of the journey we can all be part of on the countdown to the Championships," Hoy said.  

"The greatest cycling athletes in the world will bring the biggest and best cycling event in history to Scotland. 

"The UCI Cycling World Championships will be full of can't-miss moments across the country for everyone to experience and enjoy."

Hoy, who won six Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles, joined 19-time UCI Para-cycling world champion Jody Cundy, a winner of eight Paralympic gold medals to launch an event in which cycling and Para cycling take place side by side.

"Having Para cycling track integrated for the first time, will make it especially exciting," Cundy said. 

"Performing in front of a home crowd and hearing and feeling their energy is going to be quite special. 

"I truly cannot wait till August." 

A replica of the treadle bike used on the first ride in 1842 was displayed alongside more modern machines to mark the 100-day countdown to the UCI World Championships ©UCI
A replica of the treadle bike used on the first ride in 1842 was displayed alongside more modern machines to mark the 100-day countdown to the UCI World Championships ©UCI

To mark the occasion, endurance rider Jenny Tough and YouTuber Katie Kookaburra completed a 94 mile (152 kilometre) ride from the Para cycling road race start in Dumfries via the Sir Chris Hoy Arena, set to be the centrepiece of the Championships, to George Square in Glasgow.

"My life is all about adventure and enjoying the wonders of the outdoors whether it's on foot or on a bike," Tough said.

"The Challenge is a wonderful opportunity to get out on your bike and discover the freedom it can bring whether it’s going for a ride with your family or setting off on your own to discover what the world has to offer."

Their ride commemorated the first ride made by Scottish inventor Kirkpatrick Macmillan on a treadle bike in 1842.

A replica of the historic machine was on display along with the other bikes to be used during the World Championships.

"The 23 Million Mile Challenge is a fantastic way to launch into the final 100 days before the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships," UCI President David Lappartient insisted.

"With participants being able to choose how many miles they ride it gives everybody the chance to be part of this exciting event. 

"Cycling is a sport for people of all levels and abilities, and the 23 Million Mile Challenge demonstrates that." 

The UCI World Championships are scheduled to begin on August 3 and continue to August 13.