15-05-2025
Ayrshire sports therapist breaks course record in gruelling 55-mile challenge
Sharon McNicol chalked an astonishing 26 minutes off the previous best mark.
An Ayrshire sports therapist is celebrating after setting a new course record over the gruelling 55 mile Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia.
Troon native Sharon McNicol clocked in at a little over three hours - 3:01.05 - to take an astonishing 26 minutes off the previous record.
Sharon, a previous member of the Ayr Burner cycle club, was one of thousands of cyclists from all over the UK who pedalled across the Scottish Highlands for the 19th edition of the UK's pioneering closed-road cycling sportive.
Riders set off from Pitlochry's Atholl Road at dawn, choosing from 40, 55 and 85-mile route options.
Each course offered dramatic views of lochs and forests, the challenge of Schiehallion's famed ascent, and a warm Highland welcome through picturesque villages including Kinloch Rannoch and Aberfeldy.
Event Director Jo Dytch, who has been involved with the event since its launch in 2007, said: 'Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia is more than a cycling event, it's a celebration of strength, solidarity and community.
'Stories like Sharon's remind us why this event matters. Taking part in a sportive of this scale, in stunning surroundings and peaceful closed roads is a tremendous experience, and all the more meaningful if cyclists have been riding to raise money to help transform lives through funding cancer research.
'Thank you to the community of Highland Perthshire who came out in their droves to support the cyclists and offer a warm Scottish welcome. Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're already looking forward to our landmark 20th edition in 2026.'
