Climb into the saddle for first-ever Cateran Sportive

East Perthshire’s growing reputation as a hotbed for cycling activities will be added to this weekend with the staging of the Cateran Sportive.

Although initially hoped to take place in June, the event – described as being along the lines as the successful Etape Caledonian in Highland Perthshire – takes place on Saturday this week.

A route of around 80 miles and a shorter, 40-mile, alternative have been developed by former councillor Bob Ellis – the co-founder of the Cateran Trail.

Speaking previously, he explained: “For some time I have thought we should have a cycle event in east Perthshire similar to the Etape in Highland Perthshire.

“We have some really scenic, off-the-beaten track roads, which would lend themselves to not just a cycle race but also a way to test your own strengths and abilities on a bike, your own challenge if you like, and a cycle ride where you are with many like-minded cyclists.”

Discussions have taken place between Bob and John Palfreyman and Grant Murdoch from the EU LEADER-funded Coupar Angus Cycling Hub.

Bob continued: “We wanted a route of around 80 miles for the main event and 40 miles for a smaller event.

“I have developed routes that mainly cover quiet country roads and take in the area in and around the 64-mile Cateran Trail, which is why we have called it the Cateran Sportive.

“The routes I have designed are quite challenging - or at least the main one is.

“Both start and finish in Larghan Park in Coupar Angus as you have immediate access to quiet country roads.

“The main route is about 78 miles long and involves 1900 metres of climb overall, taking in Newtyle, Balkeerie, Kirriemuir, Persie, Balintore, Kirkton of Glenisla, Forter, Kirkmichael, Bridge of Cally, Bamff, Alyth, Ardler before heading back to Coupar Angus.

“The supporting event takes in Ardler, Meigle, Alyth, Kirkton of Glenisla, Brewlands, Kilry, Bamff, Alyth, Ardler and again finishing in Coupar Angus.

“This route is 40 miles and has a total climb of 900 metres.”

Bob added that although most sportives are chip-timed events as this is the first event organisers have decided to see what level of interest there is initially before opting whether or not to organise a full, timed event.

Both routes will be sign-posted with feed stations along the way, and a map of the course will be given to each competitor.

Bob added that marshals and feed stations will be required and that anyone wishing to volunteer to help out would be welcome.

He added: “There are many cyclists in our area but these are just some of the people we would like to attract.

“There are just as many recreational cyclists out there who probably want to set their own challenges but would like company, and this event is just as much for them.”

Anyone interested in either taking part or helping out should contact Bob on email bob.ellis2@btopenworld.com or Grant Murdoch from the Cycling Hub on cachub@outlook.com for more information. See www. cacyclinghub.com or follow The Cateran Sportive on Facebook for regular updates and links to the online booking site.

There are many cyclists here but these are just some of those we want to attract