No sooner have the saddle sores worn off from last weekend’s 81-mile Etape Caledonia cycle race than organisers are urging enthusiasts to sign up for the 2011 event.
IMG Mass Participation has announced registration for the fifth run of the closed roads Highland Perthshire race on Sunday, May 15, is open.
Around 4500 cyclists took part in last Sunday’s race with thousands more spectators lining the Pitlochry streets in what is thought to have been a £1m-plus boost to the local economy.
Organiser Jo Dytch said, “We are absolutely delighted with how well the event went this weekend.
“Highland Perthshire was buzzing with people, restaurants were full, as were hotels and we had a very warm Highland welcome from all.
“We’d also like to thank Perth and Kinross Council, and the many sponsors involved who contribute to ensuring it is a fantastic experience for cyclists.
“There was a real festival atmosphere at the finish line in Pitlochry and it was a true delight to see so many cyclists crossing it with beaming smiles.”
Jo added, “Feedback from cyclists this year has been overwhelmingly positive, with the vast majority commenting on the stunning scenery on the route and the unique opportunity to enjoy these vistas on safe and traffic-free roads.
“We are already in planning for next year’s event and are excited about its future prospects.
“We expect 2011 places to fill up very quickly as the event is now firmly established as one of the UK’s major cycling events.”
The race has also swollen the coffers of its main charity, Macmillan Cancer Relief, with hopes high that big-hearted riders can smash through the £500,000 fund-raising barrier for the first time.
A total of £230,000 sponsorship has been collected and money will continue to flood in over the next two months.
IMG also announced it has launched its second closed-road event Sky Ride Etape Hibernia in County Clare, Ireland, on August 22.
Entries can be made for both events online at the Etape website.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user bcran.