It’s a first for Scotland with the Etape Caledonia

More than one thousand riders took part in Britain’s first closed road sportive cycling event, the ‘Etape Caledonia’ today (24 June) in Pitlochry, Perthshire. The 134 kilometre, or 82 mile, route took in some of Scotland’s most stunning cycling areas include Lochs Rannoch and Tummel.

The event, started by twice world cycling champion, Tony Doyle, was won by 28 year-old Edward Woodhouse, from London, in a time of 3 hours 48 minutes and 15 seconds. The first female rider, Catriona Phin, from Stirling triathlon club, finished a mere minute behind in a time of 3 hours 49 minutes and 54 seconds, just two days after celebrating her 40th birthday.

On finishing Edward Woodhouse commented: “It was a fantastic ride. I managed to get in a big group of riders at the start. I have done several sportive rides in France such as the famous L’Etape du Tour and this event is just as good.

Tony Doyle, who rode the event with two friends, said: “It was a good course with a real stinger of a hill in the last five miles at Logierait. The support from the local villages was great and the marshalling superb. We will definitely all be back next year!”

The man who dreamt up the event, race director, Kevin Stewart from IMG said: “We’ve had great co-operation from the local authority, Perth and Kinross Council, to close the roads and a positive response from many residents who have embraced the event knowing how positive an event like this can be for the area’s economy and reputation. I am really looking forward to planning this event next year.”

This event will help to raise money for two official charities, Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres and Action Medical Research. Director of fundraising for Action Medical Research, Lewis Coghlin, said: “This is a fantastic event that gives cyclists of varying ability the chance to compete on closed roads in the picturesque heart of Scotland. We are delighted that the event will raise in the region of £20,000.”

For more information on the event go to www.etapecaledonia.co.uk