HUGE CROWDS FOR CYCLE FESTIVAL
Organisers of last weekend’s Coupar Angus Cycling Festival have declared themselves to be“over the moon”at the success of the event.
The three-day celebration of all things cycling got into gear with an appearance by Bridge of Cally’s Mark Beaumont, who famously previously pedalled his way around the world, on Friday evening at the Red House Hotel.
On Saturday, Larghan Park was the venue for a huge, free, cyclingorientated event which offered something for everyone.
Kids’races, a food market, a giant Airbag, cycling skills courses and obstacles, and a bike test zone to try adapted bicycles, electric bikes and many other pedal-powered modes of transport were all enjoyed.
Cycling stunt team, the Clan performed throughout the day, and a succesful skate jam was held.
The Big Sunday Cycle made its return on the festival’s final day, this time with three road rides of various lengths which all left from Larghan Park
An Enduro mountain bike race capped things off, starting and finishing in Coupar Angus and featuring five race stages on mountain bike trails in the surrounding area.
The festival was organised by the town’s cycling development officer, Grant Murdoch – who revealed as many as 1000 people took part in the various events throughout the weekend.
He declared:“Everyone who was there was buzzing, saying how they couldn’t believe there was so many people and that an event like this was taking place in Coupar Angus.
“There was about 1000 people taking part over the weekend, which is a big increase on last year, so I’m over the moon to be honest.
“It’s about promoting cycling to as many people as possible and promoting its benefits.
“The festival will be back next year, without a doubt, and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s event – particularly all the volunteers.”
• More pictures in next week’s Blairie.