A major cycling event will take place in Perthshire on Friday, as part of the UCI World Championships.
The Gran Fondo will see thousands of cyclists race around Highland Perthshire on Friday.
Competitors will be able to choose between the larger Gran Fondo route, which is 110km or the smaller Medio Fondo, which is 70km.
Here is everything you need to know about the race.
What is Gran Fondo?
The Gran Fondo means “big ride” in Italian.
It is a long-distance, mass participation cycle race that celebrates cycling for everyone.
The top 25% of riders from 27 qualifiers across the world have been invited to take part in the Perthshire event.
It originated in Italy in 1970 – when the first race took place – and increased in popularity through the 1990s.
A Gran Fondo can be anywhere between 120km and 200km in length and involves a climb between 2,000m and 4,000m.
Competitors can also do the smaller “Medio Fondo”, which will pass through Bankfoot.
What is the route?
The route begins on Perth’s Tay Street, before making its way into Highland Perthshire.
Cyclists will ride through Tummel Valley, before going through Aberfeldy, Pitlochry and Blairgowrie.
The Medio Fondo cuts through Bankfoot before the routes combine in Blairgowrie.
Scone Palace will mark the end of the race, where successful riders will receive jerseys.
A series of road closures will be in place throughout the day to accommodate the race – you can find out more by clicking here.
A number of parking restrictions will be enforced in Perth on the day of the race, with more information on the council’s website.
Where are the best places in Perthshire to watch the race?
Organisers say the best places to watch the race are at the following locations:
- Perth, Tay Street: 9am-11.15am
- Aberfeldy: 11.30am-3.30pm
- Pitlochry: 11.30am-3.30pm
- Bankfoot (Medio Fondo only): 10.45am-3pm
- Blairgowrie: 11am-5pm
- Scone Palace: 11am-6.45pm
Will Perthshire be sunny for UCI Gran Fondo?
Given the size of Perthshire and distance of the route, conditions may vary depending on location.
The forecast is also likely to change closer to the race.
This is the most recent Met Office forecast for some of the locations cyclists will pass through:
Perth
The Met Office says Perth will be sunny for the start of the Gran Fondo, with temperatures expected to be 15°C.
Aberfeldy
Rain is expected to hit Aberfeldy at around 1pm with temperatures hitting 16°C
Tummel Bridge
Tummel Bridge should remain dry and cloudy throughout the race, with temperatures reaching 16°C.
Pitlochry
Temperatures in Pitlochry should reach 18°C and it is expected to be dry and sunny at times throughout the day.
Blairgowrie
Blairgowrie is expected to remain cloudy and dry with temperatures reaching 17°C.
Scone Palace
The finishing point of the race will stay dry but cloudy throughout the day.
Temperatures are expected to stay up to 16°C until 7pm.
Will I need a ticket to watch?
The event will be free to watch and spectators do not need a ticket to see the race.
People can watch cyclists race by from the roadside as well as at the recommended locations.
Is Perthshire public transport running?
Perth and Kinross Council confirmed a number of Stagecoach services will be altered or potentially cancelled on the day of the Gran Fondo.
More information can be found on the Stagecoach website.
Sweeney’s Garage number 91 service in Aberfeldy will not run on Friday.
However, free shuttle buses will be running between Scone Palace and Bridgend car park in Perth for spectators to watch the end of the race.
