New cycling bosses want to close roads
The Etape Caledonia will return in 2019 Councillors will be asked tomorrow to allow road closures for the Etape Caledonia cycling event in its first year under new stewardship.
Limelight Sports will run the mass participation event for the next five years after former organisers IMG announced it wants to “concentrate on other business opportunities”.
A report to PKC’s infrastructure committee explains that permission has only ever been granted to IMG to close roads so it is now necessary to transfer the same consent to Limelight.
The committee has been advised by officers to let Limelight Sports use the existing approved 85-mile long route, which starts and ends in Pitlochry, for the next two years.
The report says: “Limelight Sports will require to apply for a temporary traffic restriction order and meet the costs associated with that as well as a new market operator’s licence in order to operate the event village.
“The council will also prepare a new legal agreement between the council and Limelight for the use of the car parks and recreation ground in Pitlochry. Limelight Sports will also be required to produce event management plans that satisfy the council and emergency services.”
The document continues: “Although their longer-term intention is to develop a 100 miles route option, the company feel it is important to bed in and establish their credentials and relationships in the area before exploring this longer route option.
“The company has been advised that the current consent is on the basis of the 85 miles route and that any further variation on route length would require fresh approval from the council.”
Craig Dews, CEO of Limelight Sports, said: “This is a terrific opportunity for us and we are very excited about getting the chance to take these events forward and further enhance their status and reputations.
“We are looking forward to working with local communities, stakeholders and authorities to gain the appropriate support and approvals in order to develop the events.”