The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Thousands take part as cycle race returns
Thousands of cyclists took to the winding roads of Perthshire yesterday for the return of Etape Caledonia. The event has not been held for the last two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Participants pedalled their way round 85 and 40-mile routes, leaving Pitlochry and taking in scenic roads at the likes of Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch.
About 5,000 people signed up to take part in the 15th edition of the event, organised by LimeLight Sports Club, and our photographer Kim Cessford was there to capture the best of the action.
James Robinson, managing director of LimeLight Sports Club, said: “We are delighted to be back in Highland Perthshire to celebrate our 15th birthday this year and to share those celebrations with our participants.
“Taking part in a sportive of this scale, in glorious surroundings and peaceful closed roads, is a great experience and I congratulate everyone who has embraced the physical challenge and completed the course – what an achievement.
“Once again, we have received a very warm Scottish welcome from local businesses and the people of Highland Perthshire and we are already looking forward to the next edition on Sunday May 14 2023.
“Registration is open now until May 29 for early bird entries.
“We are always keen for as many people as possible to experience the unique sensation of cycling on exclusively closed roads whilst taking in the dramatic hilltop views and sweeping descents that the event offers.”
First over the finish line for each category were:
40-mile route: Adam Mills, Edinburgh (Men: 2h 5m 48s) and Jill Mackay, Glasgow (Women: 2h 55m 38s).
85-mile route: Ewan McDougall, Aberfeldy (Men: 3h 34m 7s) and Hazel Donaldson, Perth (Women: 4h 8m 39s).