Kintyre is gearing up for cycling’s End of the World

A bicycle event in similar spirit to Kintyre’s famous run has been named End of the World (EOTW). The two-day Kintyre Wheelers Cycling Club (KWCC) EOTW series, in partnership with MACC base is planned for the weekend of May 4 and 5. All the events will be on the former airbase’s trafficfree roads and it is hoped to include a 10-mile time trial, a two-up time trial and a feature sportive six-hour endurance event. EOTW is the brainchild of KWCC secretary Robbie Semple, who re-formed the club after a break of many years. At a Monday evening committee meeting in the Ceann Loch Diner, Scottish Cycling’s Fraser Johnson endorsed the scheme after being driven round the MACC circuit, which was used for time trials last summer, attracting more than 30 riders. Mr Semple told the meeting that the ‘brand’ was coined by round-the-world cyclist Mark Beaumont. Mr Semple told the Courier: ‘Mark Beaumont said, “It’s like going to the end of the world when you drive to Machrihanish”.’ ‘It is the end of the world – that is the way we will market it,’ added Mr Semple. ‘Cycling in all genres has experienced a massive rise in popularity country wide. ‘By hosting an event we can promote safe cycling and competition which in turn maximises the benefits of the sport while promoting health and wellbeing. ‘MACC offers a unique venue to create an event. We are being given a golden opportunity by MACC.’ Mr Johnson said: ‘There is a ready market for whole weekend cycling events. ‘EOTW does not clash with any other Scottish events. People are travelling a bit further and this is the type of event that is wanted.’ Details are to be confirmed and a date for pre-entry online will be advised shortly.