Talks will add new element to popular cycling event

Olympian Chris Boardman MBE will be among the star attractions as a new element is added to this year’s Marie Curie Etape Caledonia.

A week-long celebration of all things cycling has taken shape around the hugely popular closed-road ride, which raises tens of thousands of pounds for charity each year.

The latest addition to the main event weekend will be Etape Talks, which will see a number of influential speakers appear at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

Topics will include cycling performance, nutrition and determination – all aimed at whetting the appetite of cyclists for the following day’s ride.

Regular Etape participant Chris Boardman will head the list of speakers, joining recordbreaking adventurer and filmmaker Dave Cornthwaite and personal trainer Tracey Griffen on the PFT stage.

The talks are free to attend but each will be limited to 100 places, which should be booked by Friday April 14 by visiting www.etapecaledonia.co.uk.

An event spokesman said: “This year, the Marie Curie Etape Caledonia is offering more than just a beautiful bike ride.

“While cyclists will get to enjoy 81 miles of closed roads and stunning Highland scenery, we are delighted they will also have the opportunity to broaden their horizons through our brand new Etape Talks.

“We are particularly delighted that British cycling legend Chris Boardman will be joining us for an exclusive question and answer session.”

This year’s Etape takes place on Sunday May 21, with more than 5,000 riders and their supporters expected to descend upon Highland Perthshire.