Strathpuffer 2021 solo entries are sold out but pairs and quads entries still available
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INDIVIDUAL entries for one of the toughest cycling endurance races in Scotland has sold out within 10 minutes.
Strathpuffer 2021 has received 750 entries for the annual race which will take place on Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17.
The event at Torrachilty Forest at Strathpeffer, draws riders from across the UK and further afield to compete in the 24-hour challenge.
Organisers were concerned about what kind of response the event would receive due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But event spokesman Alasdair Lawton was delighted with the influx of applications to take part in 2021.
“We didn’t know what to expect. “We thought there would be two opposing forces. A force of people wanting to go out and do something having done nothing this year.
“Or the concerns with Covid-19 and people not wanting to meet in groups.
“We did not know which force would exert the greatest pull but it seems people want to come out and do something.
“We genuinely didn’t know how it would play out.”
“But there is still limited space available to compete in the pairs competition and in the quads competition.”
Lawton says he is expecting entries to come from across the UK and abroad to take on the course.
The event is traditionally held in January where cyclists attempt to ride around the track as many times as possible in 24 hours.
Due to the time of year, cyclists ride in 17 hours of darkness and usually in sub-zero conditions with ice and snow a regular feature.
Last year, over 1000 cyclists took part in the event but that number will be reduced due to covid-19 restrictions.
Aviemore cyclist Kyle Beattie was crowned 2020 men’s champion when he completed 25 laps in 23 hours 52 minutes and 27 seconds in January.
Edinburgh cyclist Zara Mair won the women’s race with 18 laps in a time of 22 hours 14 minutes and 23 seconds. Invergordon won the school championship.
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