Team from Highlands prepares to cycle length of Scotland in The Lang Way Doon challenge to raise funds for relief effort for those affected by war in Ukraine

A team of cyclists from clubs around the Inverness area is preparing to cycle the length of Scotland to raise funds for the humanitarian relief effort for those affected by the war in Ukraine.

The gruelling 325-mile challenge, which involves 18,000ft of climbing, is taking place as the Jubilee weekend begins.

All six cyclists will aim to complete the entire route from Tongue to Coldstream, via Braemar – The Lang Way Doon – in under 24 hours.

They are due to set off at 5pm tomorrow and expect to be cycling over the Kessock Bridge as they pass Inverness at about 11pm.

If all goes according to plan, they aim to reach Coldstream before 5pm on Friday.

The riders are Derek Paterson, of Inverness Cycle Club, Michael Anderson, Lynne Cordiner, Andy Cowie and Stuart Morrison, of Moray Firth Cycle Club, plus Mark McCabe.

All have experience in endurance cycling events.

They will be supported by a logistics team including Andrew Shaw, of Cuillin Wheels, and Al McCaffrey, of Moray Firth Cycle Club.

The group has set up a Cycle Scotland for Ukraine page on JustGiving which has raised more than £5000 so far.

They state: “None of us can have escaped the harrowing images of the atrocities being waged against the people of Ukraine.

“The intense conflict is threatening the lives and livelihoods of civilians across the country, causing millions to flee.

“Homes have been destroyed or are unsafe to live in. Infrastructure and essential services have been hit.

“Families have been separated. People have been injured. Many lives have been lost.”

Mr Paterson said four of the group often do a long-distance cycle ride in June.

“We came up with this challenge in January,” he said. “When the war in Ukraine started, we decided to do it as a fundraiser.”

Participants taking up the The Lang Way Doon challenge devise their own route but must go via Braemar.

Mr Paterson said the most challenging part of his team’s route will be the section through the Cairngorms, involving climbs of more than 18,000ft.

“We are a bit apprehensive but looking forward to it,” he said.

Bikes of Inverness and Bioracer UK – the kit supplier to Team Ineos formerly Team Sky – have supported and helped with bespoke cycle clothing in Ukrainian colours for the event.

The money raised will go to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal run by Disasters Emergency Committee which is working with local partners in Ukraine and across the border in neighbouring countries to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing.

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