Inverness to host ‘meaningful’ Etape Loch Ness ride as 6000 gear up for challenge
More than 6000 cyclists are expected to gather in Inverness in the early hours of Sunday to take part in an event looking to make “meaningful impact”.
The Etape Loch Ness is set to go ahead for the 11th time, with people travelling from 20 different countries to ride around the famous loch.
The sold-out event features a spectacular 66-mile route around Loch Ness on completely traffic-free roads, through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Highlands.
More than 600 riders are expected to take part for Macmillan Cancer Support, the event’s official charity partner, raising vital funds to support the 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK. This year’s fundraising goal is £255,000, contributing to the £2.18 million already raised since the partnership began in 2014.
The route includes a challenging 900 metres of elevation gain, highlighted by the King of the Mountain stage – a 4.8-mile climb out of Fort Augustus with gradients peaking at 12 per cent.
Malcolm Sutherland, CEO of event organisers Caledonian Concepts, said: “The Etape Loch Ness has always been about more than just miles and climbs – it’s about purpose and people.
“We’re proud to welcome the 6150 riders to this year’s event, including over 600 incredible Macmillan cyclists who are riding not only for themselves, but for something greater. We hope this year’s fundraising total smashes records and continues to make a meaningful impact and we look forward to a fun and safe event.”
The 2025 event continues to attract a global audience, with 34 per cent of riders travelling from outside Scotland. Participants hail from 20 countries across five continents, including the USA, New Zealand, Canada, France and Germany, confirming the event’s status as a bucket-list ride for cyclists worldwide.
As this year's RideLondon 100 is not taking place, riders will be able to use the Etape Loch Ness as a qualifying ride for the London Classics medal, presented to those who also complete the London Marathon and the two-mile event at Swim Serpentine.
Now in its 11th year, organisers say that the Etape Loch Ness remains a non-competitive and inclusive sportive, open to riders of all levels – from first-timers taking on a new challenge to seasoned athletes chasing a new adventure. “At its heart, it celebrates community, endurance, and the awe-inspiring landscape that surrounds Loch Ness,” they add.
