Cyclists flock to biggest Etape ever

May 5 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

HIGHLAND Perthshire is gearing up for a major economic boost later this month as a record number of competitors take part in the biggest-ever closed-road cycling challenge.

A total of 3,740 cyclists will flock to the Pitlochry area for the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia on Sunday, May 17.

In 2007, the event gave Highland Perthshire a £191,337 shot-in-the-arm and an independent economic impact survey revealed that the 2008 challenge boosted local coffers by £416,885.

This year’s event is set to inject even more cash into the Perth and Kinross economy.

The 2009 Etape sold-out of general entries in March, meaning it will be the biggest ever.

The massive entry will eclipse 2008’s successful event which attracted 1,900 participants and around 6,000 spectators.

Over half of the cyclists taking part this time round are travelling to Perthshire from outside Scotland.

Of the 3,740 total participants, 1,738 are coming from England to take part, with 20 cyclists also travelling from abroad.

Of the 1,706 Scottish entries, 1,361 are from outside Perth and Kinross.

The 81-mile closed-road challenge takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.

Perth and Kinross Council’s Enterprise and Infrastructure convener, Councillor John Kellas, said yesterday the cycling spectacular will be a huge benefit to local businesses.

“The Etape goes from strength-to-strength and these latest entry figures show just how the reputation of the event is growing in the cycling community,” he said.

“The 2009 event will pull in thousands of visitors from outside Highland Perthshire across the weekend of the event – and that will be a major boost for local businesses.

“Accommodation in the area has been rapidly filling up. Many hotels are fully booked – with some having been booked up for months.

“Many people who come for the Etape stay in the area for the whole weekend or even longer. As a council we are determined to do all we can to help the local economy though the current downturn and the Etape will provide a huge shot in the arm for local businesses.

“I would urge all traders to take full advantage of the opportunities it presents.

“The Etape Caledonia allows us to showcase Highland Perthshire to the thousands of visitors it attracts from outside the area. Hopefully many people who visit for the event will want to return to the area for a holiday.”

A wide variety of entertainment has been arranged in Highland Perthshire during the weekend for local people and visitors to enjoy.

The Perthshire Cycling Festival will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Victoria Park in Aberfeldy.

It will encourage more people to get on their bike both for leisure and as a healthy, environmentally-friendly transport option to school, work and other day-to-day activities.

A diverse range of information, workshops, events and entertainment will be on offer free of charge at the festival for people of all ages and all levels of cycling experience.

The council is providing support for the event through economic development and sustainable transport funding.

A 14km Bridge-to-Bridge charity run is also being held in Aberfeldy on the Etape weekend.

In Pitlochry, where the Etape starts and finishes, there will be a festival atmosphere over the whole weekend. On the day of the event there will be live music and entertainment throughout the day in the High Street and up the Atholl Road.