MEMBERS of a church congregation in Glasgow could be on course for a clash with some of the world's top cyclists.

More than 150 worshippers at the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, near Charing Cross, may have to fight through hundreds of world class riders taking part in the British Cycling National Road Race as they attempt to attend the morning service on Sunday June 23.

The church, in Woodlands Road, is in the middle of the 14.2km loop that starts and finishes in Glasgow Green, taking in major city landmarks in the city centre and the West End.

It will be surrounded by parking restrictions and road blocks for the event.

Woodlands Road is one of many that will be shut during the day-long event, which includes a women's race from 9.30am-1pm and a men's race from 1.30pm-5.30pm.

Organisers are hoping both races will attract cycling stars such as Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, David Millar, Lizzie Armistead and Kayleigh Brogan.

Members of the congregation are angry that they will not be allowed to park near the church.

They also point out members of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland do not use public transport on the Sabbath.

Despite this, Reverend Roderick Macleod has reassured worshippers the 11am service will go ahead.

He said: "We have a right to worship God on His own day, which I don't think any council can take from us.

"Everyone that can get there will be there, and if we can't get there we will be worshipping on the street as near our church as we can."

Iain Cumming, 52, a regular attender, said people come from across and outside the city to worship at the church, which is Glasgow's only Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

He said: "It is a relatively elderly congregation, a lot of the people need cars to get to the church."

He said the congregation was determined to attend church, even if it meant crossing roads that had been blocked off for the event.

Mr Cumming added: "There comes a time when you have to stand up for your own rights."

As reported in the Evening Times earlier this month, more than 20,000 letters were distributed to shops, restaurants, residents and offices along the route, warning them about parking restrictions and road closures.

A council spokeswoman said: "This is a huge event for the city both in terms of stature and facilitating the route and race.

"We have started talks with businesses, residents and groups to find practical solutions to issues they have raised. The Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland is one of these groups.

"We are continuing our discussions with Reverend Macleod to ensure his congregation can attend their services as usual."

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk