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The Courier
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
GALLERY: Highlights from Etape Caledonia 2025 in Highland Perthshire
Cancer Research UK's Etape Caledonia returned to the scenic village of Pitlochry on Sunday, bringing thousands of cyclists to the heart of the Scottish Highlands for the UK's original closed-roads sport. With just 5,000 places available each year, Etape Caledonia remains one of the most sought-after cycling sportives in the UK. Riders tackled a range of demanding climbs, including the tough ascent out of Blair Atholl and the iconic gradient at Grandtully. The traffic-free cycling route allowed participants to focus on their performance while enjoying panoramic views of the Highland landscape. Olympic Gold medallist Hailey Duff MBE officially started the event at 6.30am, leading the pack out of Pitlochry. She crossed the finish line as the first female rider, clocking in at 2h 30m 54s, beating her personal goal of 3h 30m. Alanna Cameron, a dentist from Inverness, set a new course record for the 40-mile route, finishing in just 2h 19m 16s and shaving 5 seconds off the previous record held by Louisa Brown. Organised by Motiv Sports UK and supported by headline charity Cancer Research UK, the event drew cyclists of all backgrounds to Pitlochry for a weekend of challenge, camaraderie, and charity fundraising, against a breathtaking Highland backdrop.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thousands of cyclists take part in Highlands event for charity
THOUSANDS of cyclists have taken part in an event in the Highlands to raise money for charity. On Sunday, around 5000 cyclists took part in Cancer Research UK's Etape Caledonia feat, which started in Pitlochry. The event branched off into 40, 55, and 85-mile routes, meaning riders of varying degrees of experience could take part. (Image: PA) Organised by Motiv Sports UK, the fundraiser attracted cyclists from all backgrounds and the closed-road event meant participants could cycle without fear of traffic or disruption. Each route offered views of the Highlands' lochs, forests and hilly backdrop. READ MORE: Activists surround police van as man 'detained' at pro-Palestine protest Gold medal Olympian Hailey Duff MBE (below) officially started the event at 6.30am, leading the throng of cyclists off on the course. (Image: PA) She powered over the finish line as the first female just two hours, 30 minutes and 54 seconds later, smashing her target time of 3.5 hours. Dentist Alanna Cameron (below) from Inverness took the top time, setting a new course record for the 40-mile route of two hours, 19 minutes and 16 seconds, knocking a slim five seconds off the previous record set by Louisa Brown. (Image: PA) Female riders led the pack this year on performance with a second impressive course record set for the 55-mile route by Sharon McNicol from Troon who came in at three hours, one minute and five seconds on the 55-mile route, smashing almost 26 minutes off the previous route record held by Kate Woodward. Among the standout participants was Nathan Grove, a Scottish RAF engineer and bowel cancer survivor, riding the 55-mile route to raise awareness and money for Cancer Research UK and finishing in three hours, 47 minutes and 24 seconds. READ MORE: Pope Leo calls for Gaza ceasefire in first Sunday blessing Originally from Tain in the Scottish Highlands and now living in Letham, Angus, he has raised nearly £13,000 for the charity across several endurance events. Nathan Grove (Image: PA) 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 Nathan'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 today. We're already looking forward to our landmark 20th edition in 2026!'
The National
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Thousands of cyclists take part in Highlands event for charity
On Sunday, around 5000 cyclists took part in Cancer Research UK's Etape Caledonia feat, which started in Pitlochry. The event branched off into 40, 55, and 85-mile routes, meaning riders of varying degrees of experience could take part. (Image: PA) Organised by Motiv Sports UK, the fundraiser attracted cyclists from all backgrounds and the closed-road event meant participants could cycle without fear of traffic or disruption. Each route offered views of the Highlands' lochs, forests and hilly backdrop. READ MORE: Activists surround police van as man 'detained' at pro-Palestine protest Gold medal Olympian Hailey Duff MBE (below) officially started the event at 6.30am, leading the throng of cyclists off on the course. (Image: PA) She powered over the finish line as the first female just two hours, 30 minutes and 54 seconds later, smashing her target time of 3.5 hours. Dentist Alanna Cameron (below) from Inverness took the top time, setting a new course record for the 40-mile route of two hours, 19 minutes and 16 seconds, knocking a slim five seconds off the previous record set by Louisa Brown. (Image: PA) Female riders led the pack this year on performance with a second impressive course record set for the 55-mile route by Sharon McNicol from Troon who came in at three hours, one minute and five seconds on the 55-mile route, smashing almost 26 minutes off the previous route record held by Kate Woodward. Among the standout participants was Nathan Grove, a Scottish RAF engineer and bowel cancer survivor, riding the 55-mile route to raise awareness and money for Cancer Research UK and finishing in three hours, 47 minutes and 24 seconds. READ MORE: Pope Leo calls for Gaza ceasefire in first Sunday blessing Originally from Tain in the Scottish Highlands and now living in Letham, Angus, he has raised nearly £13,000 for the charity across several endurance events. Nathan Grove (Image: PA) 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 Nathan'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 today. We're already looking forward to our landmark 20th edition in 2026!'
