ROUND-THE-world record-breaker Mark Beaumont has branded Britain’s only closed-road cycle event “terrific.”

On Sunday, the athlete got back in the saddle for the first time since his mammoth global ride as he starred in the Etape Caledonia spectacular.

The Perthshire event attracted almost 2000 participants and over 6000 spectators.

Mark, who grew up in Highland Perthshire, yesterday said he had thoroughly enjoyed the 81-mile challenge, which he completed in just over four hours.

“It is the first time I have been back on a road bike since I completed the world tour,” he said. “However, I cycled these roads when I was young and it was great to be back on them.

“It was a wonderful event and there was an amazing atmosphere.”

The presence of a number of protesters angry at road closures associated with the event clearly failed to sour the mood for competitors or fans and the gruelling challenge was yesterday hailed as a massive success.

In 2007, there were under 1000 competitors but the event has grown in popularity and cyclists from Canada, America and Argentina were among those taking part.

Perth and Kinross Council had been criticised in some quarters for allowing the Etape Caledonia to go ahead but many local community groups had embraced the event and even organised various celebrations to ensure visitors to the area enjoyed a carnival atmosphere.

Councillor John Kellas, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee, said, “The day was a huge success and everyone had a great time. The atmosphere all around the route was terrific.

“This year saw the Etape grow in stature. There were many thousands more spectators lining the route than last year and the fact the number of participants doubled shows the pulling power of the event.”

Mr Kellas is confident the long-term benefits of staging such an event will be felt for years to come.

“The Etape has given the local economy a huge boost and I would like to thank Highland Perthshire communities and businesses for seizing the opportunities it presented them with,” he added.

“The event allows us to showcase Highland Perthshire to the thousands of visitors it attracts from outside the area. Hopefully many of these people will now want to return in the future for a holiday.”

Provost John Hulbert, who waved off participants from the starting line in Pitlochry, was similarly enthusiastic.

“It was an amazing day,” he said. “The cyclists provided a riot of colour and the crowd created a festival atmosphere in Pitlochry and all around the route.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved for playing their part in a very successful day.”

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart added, “I was delighted to see so many competitors and spectators at Sunday’s event.

“This was a real success for Highland Perthshire and brought a huge number of visitors to the area.

“I hope that many of those who came to race or support the competitors will return to the area to enjoy its great beauty, quality tourist facilities and friendly people.

“Highland Perthshire has so much to offer visitors and the Etape race has contributed much to the local economy.”