Press release -
Scottish Pedal Power!
As Scottish cycling star and ultra-endurance athlete Mark Beaumont passes the 60 day mark of his gruelling record-breaking attempt to cycle around the globe in 80 days and the OVO Energy Tour of Britain kicks off in Edinburgh for the first time on Sunday, VisitScotland takes a look at some of the brilliant cycling events taking place around the country this year.
There are numerous ways to get involved, whether watching and cheering at the OVO Energy Tour of Britain or getting on your own bike at Pedal for Scotland. Scotland is a playground for both mountain bikers and road cyclists alike, with events to suit all ages and disciplines.
Inspired to get on your bike? Here are 5 top cycling events taking place across Scotland this autumn.
3 September
Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders
Stage One of the race will head from Edinburgh's Royal Mile through East Lothian and into the Scottish Borders with the finish coming in the town of Kelso. The opening leg also includes a 79 kilometre loop in the Scottish Borders, giving fans at the finish in Kelso town centre the opportunity to see the world's top riders in action twice.
Spectator event | professional road cycling
10 September
Glasgow-Edinburgh
Pedal for Scotland, organised by Cycling Scotland, is Scotland’s biggest bike event with over 7, 500 cyclists taking part. Join the 45 mile Classic Challenge from Glasgow to Edinburgh, the colossal 93 mile Big Belter from Glasgow to Edinburgh or The Wee Jaunt taking in the last 10 miles of the Classic Challenge.
Family | charity | road cycling
24 September
Oban
Back for its fifth year, Oban Sportive offers two challenging routes through Argyll’s stunning scenery. Starting and finishing at the sea port of Oban, expect sea views, lochs and mountains combined with tough riding and a warm welcome.
Sportive | road cycling
7 October
Fort William
The Tour de Ben Nevis is the ultimate MTB challenge for endurance athletes and people with a sense of adventure. A 72km circumnavigation of Ben Nevis from Fort William, this is one of the country’s longest point-to-point events; an MTB endurance and mountain marathon event all rolled into one. The event brings mountain biking back to the mountains.
Experienced riders | mountain biking
25 November
Falkirk
This unique day and night mountain bike Enduro race at Callendar Estate is ideal for young and novice riders with options for the more seasoned riders who like a challenge. The Funduro also makes for a great spectator event as the course is accessible enough that family and friends can be on hand to cheer you on as you hurtle towards certain joy.
Family | mountain biking
For further information on cycling in Scotland, check out visitscotland.com
For further information please contact:
Laura Mitchell: laura.mitchell@visistcotland.com or 0131 472 2043
Topics
- Tourism
Regions
- Scotland
Notes to Editors
About VisitScotland
- VisitScotland launched its global Spirit of Scotland campaign in 2016. To find out more, go to www.visitscotland.com. Join the conversation by using #ScotSpirit
- Spirit of Scotland PR activity is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2014 to 2020. The Scottish Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme.
- VisitScotland’s Community site was set up for the Scottish public to help, engage and enthuse potential visitors about the country. To get involved go to: www.visitscotland.com/community
- For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com
- For VisitScotland’s press releases go to http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre.aspx, tourism statistics and frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/
- To ensure everyone can safely enjoy Scotland’s amazing countryside and landscapes, VisitScotland encourages all visitors to fully respect their surroundings by behaving in a responsible and appropriate way.
About the Artemis World Cycle
- The Artemis World Cycle is an extraordinary challenge to be undertaken by British long-distance athlete, broadcaster and Ambassador Mark Beaumont. The journey, which started from Paris, will, on completion, qualify for a Guinness World Record, taking 43 days off the current world record which stands at 123 days. Keep track of this incredible journey via the website and social media:
- www.artemisworldcycle.com
- Twitter via @MrMarkBeaumont
- Facebook via MarkBeaumontAdventures
- Instagram via mrmarkbeaumont
- 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology
- 2017 is the year to delve into the past and discover Scotland’s fascinating stories through a wide-ranging variety of new and existing activity to drive the nation’s tourism and events sector, boosting tourism across Scotland.
- The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology begins on 1 January 2017 and will end on 31 December 2017. It will build on the momentum generated by previous themed years in Scotland including the 2015 Year of Food and Drink, Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.
- The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, and supported by a variety of partners including Creative Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Built Environment Forum Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland.
- The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is supported by £570,000 of Scottish Government funding.
- The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
- For more information visit visitscotland.com/HHA2017 or join the conversation at #HHA2017
