Thousands turn out to conquer Etape Loch Ness cycle challenge with more than £230,000 generated for Macmillan Cancer Support
More than 5600 cyclists – from elite riders to charity participants – took on a monster cycle challenge around Loch Ness today.
The sell-out 66-mile Etape Loch Ness brought together cycling fans from all over the country and overseas to ride one of Scotland’s most beautiful routes on closed roads free of other traffic.
It proved another excellent money-spinner for charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support, with the event expected to bring in more than £230,000 for the charity.
And it resulted in two new course records being set by both the leading male and female riders – with the top three males, all from Moray Firth Cycle Club, all beating the previous fastest time and finishing within four seconds of each other.
The fastest male rider around the course was Lewis Macfarlane in a time of two hours 45 minutes and 56 seconds. The fastest female cyclist was Alison Leitch of Orkney Cycling Club in 2:55:13.
A special jersey was also awarded to the fastest male and female participants on the King of the Mountain stage – sponsored by The Singleton of Glen Ord – to the top of the Glendoe summit outside of Fort Augustus. The 2018 king, Andy Cunningham riding for Wheelbase Castelli MGD, retained his crown in a time of 19:05 while Alison Leitch made it up the 4.8-mile climb in 25:59.
Participants in the sixth annual cycling extravaganza were joined by two of Scotland’s most formidable female endurance cyclists: record-breaking round the world cyclist Jenny Graham and Scotland Commonwealth Games mountain biker Lee Craigie, who is the Active Scotland commissioner.
Event director Malcolm Sutherland said: “A huge well done to all the riders who took part in this year’s event: it was a fantastic demonstration of a true passion for cycling.
“It has been amazing to see local crowds and businesses, along with riders from across Scotland and further afield, getting behind Etape Loch Ness and placing eyes of the cycling world on the Highlands.
“The Highlands provides an amazing atmosphere, as well as picturesque landscapes and welcoming hospitality. So many volunteers, partners and sponsors have helped in the planning and execution of Etape Loch Ness over the last few months, and we extend our thanks to each and every one of them – along with the communities and businesses of Inverness and the surrounding area – for their backing.”
The second fastest male was Darren Dean in 2:45:59, while the third was Richie Sim in 2:46:00. Fiona Grant, Cuillin Wheels, was second fastest female in 3:04:21 and Marie Meldrum of Nevis Cycles was the third fastest female in 3:08:30.
Will Morrison Ayton, challenge events programme manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It was incredible to see so many green and white jerseys fly past and a huge thank you goes to those who chose to cycle for Macmillan – more than 1000 participants in all – combining to raise such a terrific amount.
“This will bring the total raised at Etape Loch Ness events over the past six years to more than £1.25 million, which is a remarkable achievement.”
The first riders set off at 6.15am from Bught Park in Inverness. The route passed through Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, Fort Augustus and Dores before finishing at the event hub at Eden Court in Inverness.
More photos in Tuesday's Inverness Courier and this week's Highland News.
