Ayrshire Sportive breaks records

Both the 100km and 60km riders feature a number of categorised climbs, all at least 2km long including Nic O’Balloch and Tairlaw.

Organisers are Ayr Burners Cycling QTS, who promote the Ayrshire Alps Cycle Park project. To coincide, Burners will launch a new printed map of the Ayrshire Alps area, featuring 16 categorised climbs across the Carrick area, all within a 20 mile radius.

The Ayrshire Alps Sportive is aimed at promoting Ayrshire as a cycling destination, and has grown steadily since 90 riders took on the first edition in 2015.

Having sold out last year, all spaces in the 2017 event went so fast that a second wave was released, selling out in 48 hours.

With a long waiting list to get in, organisers believe the event could easily exceed 500 participants with the right infrastructure. Participants are travelling from across Britain and as far as the Czech Republic.

Thanks to the support of Ayrshire Garden Studios, riders will be rewarded with a fuelling stop at halfway by the David Bell Memorial, before a post- ride spread supported by the Kirkmichael General Store. Barr Community Shop will also welcome riders.

Team leader Gavin McKellar revealed: “Between Ayr Burners’ annual Doonbank Trofee Cyclocross, public family sessions and the Ayrshire Alps Sportive, we host more than 1,000 people a year. We are excited to welcome people from all over Britain for a great day of cycling.”

For those who did not secure a space in 2017, there is still the chance to ride the route and climbs all year round. Details at www. ayrshirealps. org