Thousands ride through Highland Perthshire for Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia 2025
Thousands of cyclists from all over the UK pedalled across the Scottish Highlands for Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia 2025 today (Sunday, 11 May), marking the 19th edition of the UK’s pioneering closed-road cycling sportive.
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.
Riders set off from Pitlochry’s Atholl Road at dawn, choosing from 40, 55 and 85-mile route options. Participants were able to pedal safely on peaceful closed roads. 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.
Gold Medal holder and Olympian Hailey Duff MBE officially started the event at 6.30am, leading the throng of cyclists off on the course. Powering over the finish line as the first female just 2h 30m 54s later and smashing her target time of 3h 30m. She was pipped to the post for the fastest route time overall. Dentist Alanna Cameron from Inverness took the top time, setting a new course record for the 40 mile route of 2h 19m 16s, knocking a slim 5 seconds off the previous record set by Louisa Brown.
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 a slick 3h 1m 5s 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 who finished in 3h 47m 24s. Nathan, originally from Tain in the Scottish Highlands and now living in Letham, Angus, has raised nearly £13,000 for Cancer Research UK across several endurance events.
The Event Village bustled with activity throughout the weekend, taking advantage of the glorious sunshine on offer. Featuring live music, artisan food, and a festival atmosphere the mood in Pitlochry town centre was buoyant with participants, supporters, and local residents giving the economy of Highland Perthshire as significant boost.
First over the finish line for each category were:
- 40 Mile Route:
- Men: John Hayes, 2h 2m 54s (Course Record Holder at 1h 55m 6s)
- Women: Hailey Duff MBE (Olympian), Perth, 2h 30m 54s
- 55 Mile Route:
- Men: Graham Lancaster, Carlisle, 2h 58m 45s
- Women: Sophie Horricks, Edinburgh, 3h 4m 32s
- 85 Mile Route:
- Men: Ben Gordon, Inverness, 3h 37m 38s
- Women: Louise Woolrich, 4h, 24m, 46s
The fastest times on the course were set this year by:
- 40 Mile Route:
- Men: Marty Wilson, Kirkliston, 1h 58m 6s
- Women: Alanna Cameron, Inverness, 2h 19m 16s
NEW COURSE RECORD, previous record 2h 19 21s held by Louisa Brown
- 55 Mile Route:
- Men: Kevin Thomas, Carluke, 2h 47m, 43s
- Women: Sharon Mcnicol, Troon, 3h 1m 5s
NEW COURSE RECORD, previous course record 3h 27m held by Kate Woodward
- 85 Mile Route:
- Men: Ben Gordon, Inverness, 3h 37m 38s
- Women: Joanna McGilchrist, London, 4h 23m 21s
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!”
Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia marks its 20th anniversary next year. To mark this milestone, the aim is to raise £100,000 to support Cancer Research UK’s life saving work.
To register please visit: www.etapecaledonia.co.uk
For more information on this release please contact The Cunningly Good Group on 01738 658187.
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