Thousands of hardy cyclists have conquered the biggest-ever Etape Caledonia.
The mass-participation event, now in its 12th year, was extended to give riders the chance the pedal through 85 miles of spectacular Highland Perthshire scenery.
The new-look circuit was completed in an impressive time of 3 hours, 40 minutes and 14 seconds by Milton Keynes cyclist Jeremy Honor.
Around 4,500 cyclists took part in Sunday’s event, spurred on by new event ambassador and round-the-world cyclist Mark Beaumont.
The record-breaker, who grew up in the area, told crowds at Pitlochry: “It’s great to come back here and support an amazing event like this.”
He said: “These are the roads that I first cycled at the age of 12 and this was my training ground for taking on the world in 80 days.
IN PHOTOS: Cyclists go the extra miles at 2018 Etape Caledonia
“I am proud to see thousands of riders from all over the world, descending on Pitlochry to take on this stunning route.
“It’s a cracking event and I liked to say well done to the organisers.”
Cyclists arrived in the area on Saturday for a day of preparations and talks.
The first wave of riders left for the 85-mile course – described by organisers as a “cyclist’s dream” – at 6.30am on Sunday.
The route, beginning and ending in Pitlochry, took them past rolling hills and forest-lined roads around Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel and a demanding, twisting climb of Mount Schiehallion.
The new four-mile extension saw riders head towards Trinafour with a challenge ascent of 1,227 ft, before going back towards Kinloch Rannoch.
For the first time, there was also a shorter 40 mile tour through Tummel Bridge, Coshieville and Aberfeldy.
Thousands gathered before and after at a specially-installed rider’s village in the centre of Pitlochry, providing a welcome boost for local shops and businesses.
The other major beneficiary was Marie Curie, the official fundraising partner for which many of the cyclists were taking part.
Over the years, Etape has made more than £1.5 million for the cause. Organisers IMG are now working on plans for an even bigger course. They want to extend to at least 100 miles to attract some of the world’s elite cyclists.
Emergency services said the event passed without incident.
