Thousands cycle through Highland Perthshire for Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia 2026

Thousands of cyclists from all over the UK have pedalled across the Scottish Highlands today (Sunday, 10 May) for Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia 2026, the UK’s original closed-road sportive.

Organised by Motiv Sports UK and supported by headline charity Cancer Research UK, the event welcomed over 4,500 cyclists from across the UK.

Cyclists of all abilities set off from Pitlochry at dawn, choosing from 40, 55 and 85-mile routes and riding through Highland Perthshire’s dramatic scenery on fully closed roads. Each course offered spectacular 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.

First over the finish line for the whole event was Caleb Nonhebel, from the Isle of Mull, who completed the 40-mile course in just 1hr 50mins 58 secs, and set a new course record, shaving over 4 minutes off the previously recorded fastest time of 1hr 55mins 6secs. First over the finish line for the 85-mile course, in what was a sprint finish between several riders, was Calum Hay from Edinburgh. Calum pipped his fellow riders to the coveted spot of being first over the line, but placed fourth overall, with the top time for 85 miles being claimed by Shaun Inglis from Hawick with a course time of 3hours 38mins 38secs.

This year’s event brought together an inspiring cross-section of cyclists from across the UK, continuing to build on a commitment to make cycling more accessible and inclusive, with community groups including Women in Tri UK and Cycle Sisters among this year’s participants. Riding the event on a tandem were Tom Hair and visually impaired cyclist Chris Malcolm from Glasgow Tandem Club, a specialist cycling club of vision impaired and sighted cyclists whose aim is to provide tandem cycling opportunities to vision impaired people living in Glasgow and the west of Scotland. Tom and Chris completed the full 85-mile route in 4hrs 52 mins and 41 secs.

Mike Horwood, at 86, was the oldest participant. Cycling the event for the first time, Mike travelled up to Pitlochry from Cheddar in Somerset with two friends to take part, and managed to complete the 55-mile route in 4hours 10mins 42seconds. It was Mike’s first time participating in Etape Caledonia, but not his first foray into mass participation sporting events having previously run 23 London Marathons, including the first ever London Marathon in 1981, and two Etape du Tour events in France. A retired plumber, Mike has been cycling for over 70 years and took up road racing after his plumbing apprenticeship, aged just 14, required him to cycle a daily 20-mile round trip to and from work, clocking up 100 miles every week.

This year’s event also boasted the highest number of female cyclists taking part demonstrating a sustained growth in female participation in endurance cycling. This included the oldest woman to ever cycle the event, Wendy Ward (aged 77) who completed the 40-mile route in 3hours 22minutes and 57seconds. Wendy, a retired headteacher from Tewkesbury, took up cycling for the first time at the age of 60, and this was her fourth time taking part in Etape Caledonia.

Around 160 cyclists took part in support of Cancer Research UK raising over £80,000 to date, contributing to the event’s long standing fundraising legacy.

The sunny weather contributed to a lively event village with a vibrant festival atmosphere enjoyed by riders, supporters and local residents following the event, giving the economy of Highland Perthshire a significant boost.

The fastest times on the course were set this year by:

• 40 Mile Route:
  Men: Caleb Nonhebel 1hr 50mins 58 seconds (Course Record: 1hr 55mins 6secs)
  Women: Neve Black 2hr 34mins 37 seconds
• 55 Mile Route:
  Men: Scott Wigglesworth, 2hr 35mins 40 secs
  Women: Lucy Levine, 3hr 16mins 57secs
• 85 Mile Route:
  Men: Shaun Inglis, 3hr 38mins 38 secs
  Women: Pip Watt, 3hr 57mins 37secs

Event Director Jo Dytch said: “Etape Caledonia continues to bring people together through an unforgettable shared experience, whether that’s taking on a personal challenge, cycling for a cause, or simply enjoying the beautiful Highland scenery on closed roads.

“To welcome over 4,500 cyclists this year shows just how much this event continues to grow in popularity. We’re hugely grateful to the local community, volunteers and partners who make it all possible, and to every cyclist who took part. With our milestone 20th anniversary on the horizon, the same year as the Tour De France Grand Départ comes to Scotland, we’re already looking forward to making 2027 our biggest and most special event yet.”

Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, marking two decades since the event first launched in 2007.

To register for Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia 2027, please visit: www.etapecaledonia.co.uk