'Party atmosphere' at Etape Caledonia
Highland Perthshire has proved its passion for pedal power as thousands lined the streets for the fourth Etape Caledonia closed-road race.
Etape contestants get going in Pitlochry.
- By Alan Richardson
- Published in the Courier : 17.05.10
- Published online : 17.05.10 @ 09.55am
Bleary-eyed enthusiasts thronged Pitlochry town centre for the 7am start on Sunday, with Olympians, TV personalities and world champion cyclists leading off a 4500-strong field.
The race, which brings around £1 million to the area, ensured a carnival atmosphere in the town throughout the day with as many as 10,000 people visiting for the event.
Thankfully for organisers, there was no repeat of the sabotage attempt suffered last year and, true to their word, protesters did not demonstrate on the day for the first time.
As well as a record number of participants, history was also made by race winner Robert Bateman, from Falkirk, who finished the route in three hours, 29 minutes and 51 seconds.
After 81 miles and a total ascent of almost 2000 metres, there was still room for a sprint finish — Robert just beating Olympic alpine skier David Ryding, from Lancashire, into second place.
Cycling's 'Flying Scotsman', Graeme Obree, was one of the first to be waved away at the start line.
He said, "It's been a fantastic day and the whole town has turned out to make the atmosphere really special.
"It's not like a real race because the cyclists can work together on the closed roads and provide each other with the support they need."
He also defended the closed-road nature of the race, which has been the focal point of protest.
He said, "I live in Ayrshire and you'd think from the little that we hear down there that everyone in this area is anti-cycling, but all the people I have spoken to think this is a great thing.
"A lot of the people taking part here are new cyclists and the fact it is closed roads is a definite attraction."
He added, "There is no danger from passing traffic and a lot of people are only doing it because the roads are closed."
A spokesman for organisers IMG said, "We are delighted the 2010 Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia has proceeded as planned.
"We've enjoyed a real party atmosphere and a particularly warm Highland Perthshire welcome from the community and businesses."
IMG's initial five-year deal to run the Etape Caledonia runs out after next year's race but they will seek to secure an extension from 2012.
Photos used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr users bcran and macluskie.
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