Cyclists from across Scotland are set to flock to Forfar this month for the area’s third celebration of all things two-wheeled, racking up the miles for a massive economic injection into the area.
Organisers of the Angus Cycling Festival have promised more for all ages to enjoy, with cycling families and racers among the 300 competitors taking to some of the most exciting stages in the country.
The festival has been a runaway success since its launch and as it continues to grow the September 17 and 18 event centred around Forfar’s Reid Park will include mountain bike races, a stunt airbag contest, cycle skills course, trade village and live music.
It will kick off on September 17 with the Forfar Funduro, a multi-stage mountain bike enduro pitched for the novice rider with more challenging stages for experienced racers.
The Funduro, organised by Muckmedden Events, will see up to 300 competitors tackle seven timed stages across the local countryside, including some exciting quarry stages on Balmashanner Hill, finishing in the event village with a head-to-head dual slalom.
The festival concludes on Sunday September 18 with the final round of the Scottish Cross Country Championship (SXC) where riders will take on a tough multi-lap course across Balmashanner Hill and Reid Park.
In the Reid Park there will also be the best trick and high jump competitions which last year saw competitors jumping up to 20ft in the air.
The 2016 festival is being organised by local not-for-profit group, Angus Cycle Hub and Muckmedden Events, with support from Angus Bike Chain Cycling Club and The Robertson Group.
The event is being funded by contributions from the Angus Council Community Grant Scheme and Scotmid.
Angus Cycle Hub director Scott Francis said “We’re hoping build on the success of last year’s event.
“The 2015 event was estimated to have an economic impact of around £50,000 to the local region, with participants covering over 22000 miles by bicycle during the month worth of events we had organised, and we are hoping to surpass that this year.”
