MORE than 6000 cyclists took part in this year’s Loch Ness Etape, riding a challenging 66-mile course around Loch Ness.

Finishing fastest in Sunday’s event were Scott Davidson and Andrew MacRae from Moray Firth Cycling Club in an equal time of 2 hours 46 minutes and 4 seconds, with fastest woman Catriona Lockie from Torvelo Racing finishing in 2 hours 58 minutes and 12 seconds.

Macmillan Cancer Support, the event’s charity partner, was also delighted as more than 1000 cyclists took part on its behalf, raising a fantastic total of £220,000.

Malcolm Sutherland, event director of Etape Loch Ness, said: “Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Etape Loch Ness a success, including the Highland Council and our other partners, our sponsors, our many volunteers and the communities along the route.

“The event also raises crucial funds for charity including our charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support. Well done to you all.

“Riders came from across Scotland, the UK and as far afield as Australia, Chile and the United Arab Emirates to experience the event and some Highland hospitality – and it did not disappoint.”

Bethany Adams, senior challenge events programme manager at Macmillan, added: “We are so grateful to all the Etape Loch Ness riders who have raised £220,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, with more to come in from the weekend.

“Your generosity is so important and allows us to continue supporting those impacted by cancer.”

Gallery1

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.