THE European Championships in Glasgow will deliver a boost to Clydebank as thousands flock to the games.

The multi-sport event, which brings together some of Europe’s top sportsmen and women, starts this week.

Described as a new era in world sport, Glasgow has teamed up with Berlin to host these inaugural championships, creating a potential television audience of more than a billion over 11 days.

And some of the best sporting action will take place at venues around north-west Glasgow and at Loch Lomond.

Scotstoun Sports Campus, which was a Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games venue, will once again host a world-class sporting spectacle when it welcomes the synchronised swimming events.

Athletes will compete in a purpose-built competition pool located in the campus tennis centre.

Meanwhile, a brand-new purpose-built arena in Knightswood will host a spectacular BMX cycling event.

This is the first and only world Olympic-standard BMX track in Scotland and one of only two in the UK.

Further west, the spotlight will fall on the Bonnie Banks, as the open water swimming venue, August 8-12, is held on Loch Lomond.

All four swimming events will use a 2.5km lap course with the start, lap turn and finish all located within Drumkinnon Bay at Balloch – creating a natural stage for spectators and broadcasters to enjoy the action.

Moreover, a city-wide programme of entertainment includes a free family-friendly event at Balloch on Saturday, August 11, bringing together a range of local artists, community groups and international performers.

Business leaders in West Dunbartonshire are eagerly anticipating a major economic boost as thousands gather to cheer on the athletes.

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dumbarton Chamber of Commerce, told the Post: “Media coverage of sporting events has major economic impact with the events coverage reaching a global audience whilst the influx of competitors and spectators will also raise the profile of Dunbartonshire and generate millions of pounds of spend for businesses across the region.

“Bike shops in Wales have been selling out of stock as a result of Geraint Thomas’ historic Tour de France win so clearly there are real opportunities to benefit from having the region aligned with international sporting events.

“The BMX championships at Knightswood and synchronised swimming championships at Scotstoun are also both on our doorstep so should provide benefits for the area too.”

For details on all the events, go to glasgow2018.com.

Scotrail are putting on more services for the duration of the championships and, on the traffic front, several road closures will be in operation around the city centre for cycling events.

Police are advising people to plan ahead before making their journey.