THE countdown is ticking away towards one of the biggest events ever to hit Glasgow.

Hype is building for 2014 Games

THE countdown is ticking away towards one of the biggest events ever to hit Glasgow.

It is now exactly five years until the 2014 Commonwealth Games comes to the city, bringing a cavalcade of sporting action featuring 6500 athletes from 71 nations.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to descend for what promises to be boom-time for Glasgow.

To mark the five-year milestone, cycling star James McCallum from Uddingston joined Scotland's sports minister Shona Robison on a tour of the site that is being transformed into the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome, near Celtic Park.

James, 30, knows the buzz that a Commonwealth Games can bring to a city, having competed in two, and taking a bronze medal in Melbourne in 2006. He also hopes to compete at the Delhi games next year.

The cyclist - who used to pedal past the Parkhead site on his commute into town when he worked as a nurse - is looking forward to the atmosphere coming to Glasgow.

James said: "This is going to be mega. I'm from about three miles away from here. I used to ride past here as a kid and when I was working.

"I remember what this place used to be like and to think that it's going to be at the centre of the Games is brilliant.

"This is what my sport in Scotland needs. To make Glasgow the home of cycling will be unbelievable.

"And for the athletes to have the chance to perform in front of their home crowd will be unbelievable."

There's one moment James is really looking forward to: "Imagine what it's going to be like when Chris Hoy is at starting gate encouraging the crowd. It'll be incredible."

Scotland's sports minister Shona Robison promised that the whole of Scotland would benefit from Glasgow's games, adding: "We want to ensure that these Games are a memorable sporting occasion but we also want the whole of Scotland to benefit from hosting this event, not only in the short term, but for generations to come.

"We want to create a lasting legacy which will leave people from all backgrounds, in every area of Scotland, better off from this experience. Our priority is to get the country moving. We want to see more people physically active and living long, healthy lives.

"Our legacy plans will breathe new life into communities, create a strong and flourishing economy, enhance our reputation across the globe and ensure the whole of Scotland is fit for the future."

Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell said the five-year point marked a milestone in the regeneration plans for the city.

Councillor Purcell said: "The next five years will be very exciting as we witness a key stage in the ongoing transformation and regeneration of Glasgow, with the delivery of many infrastructure projects that will be of enormous benefit to the city and country.

"These projects include the Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village, the completion of the M74, the refurbishment of Scotstoun Stadium, the National Arena at the SECC, the National Indoor Sports Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, the continued regeneration of the Clyde and the expansion of retailing centres in the UK's biggest shopping centre outside of London.

"While some of these are directly related to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, all will play a vital part in delivering a memorable Games for Glasgow, Scotland and our visitors.

"It is important to remember that beyond the Games, each of these projects will for many years be a key factor in the city's social, physical and economic wellbeing, so it is fair to say that the next five years will be a momentous period in Glasgow's history.

"There are now tremendous opportunities in Glasgow - for example, we are well on our way to delivering our commitment to provide an apprenticeship place for every suitably-qualified Glasgow school-leaver this year, a major part of our efforts to ensure the Games leave a lasting legacy for the city."

Every day is vital in Games countdown

John Scott praised the progress so far WITH five years to go until the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the chief executive of the organising committee has warned that every day is vital in ensuring the event is successful. "It's important to use these milestones," said John Scott at a ceremony in the east end of Glasgow to mark the milestone. "Everybody needs to understand that you need to have opportunities to celebrate and understand we are making a journey. Yes, it's five years out, but that's not a lot of time. We need to maintain a sense of urgency and keep making progress." He was standing on the vast site opposite Celtic Park which will soon be home to the athletes' village, velodrome and national indoor sports arena. "We know it's on track and on budget. Markers like this help show we're making progress. "It's also a reminder that we need 15,000 volunteers to make these Games a success, and we need the people of Scotland to come and watch." He also added that a new generation of Scottish athletes was needed. Mr Scott was joined by local MSP Frank McAveety, Scottish sports minister Shona Robison, Archie Graham, the Glasgow City Council politician responsible for day-to-day delivery for 2014, and Commonwealth Games Council chairman, Mike Cavanagh, a former Games wrestler.