The inaugural Etape Royale was a resounding success, as 800 cyclists set off at 6am and were buoyed by the perfect weather conditions on the day. The clear blue skies and glorious sunshine showcased beautiful Aberdeenshire and Moray at its best and the stunning sunrise as the riders approached Tarland will stay long in the memory.
Participants started at Ballater for the 100 mile route and at Rhynie for the 65 mile route, with the finish line for both races in the centre of Ballater, where a festival atmosphere welcomed the cyclists home.
Ex-Scotland and British Lions rugby legend Rob Wainwright took on the 100-mile route and made a speech to the pelaton at the start line urging fellow cyclists to avoid dropping litter or they’d have his rugby pals to answer to.
The residents supported brilliantly by cheering the cyclists along the length of the route colourful banners made by local children adorned the roadsides. Many locals had volunteered to help out at the six feed stations based at Tarland Golf Club, Tullynessle Hall, Rhynie, Dufftown, Tomintoul and the Lecht.
The fastest finishers of the 100 mile race were Jamie Henderson of the Spokes Racing Team with an amazing time of 4:53:23 and Helen Miskelly of Torphins Tycoons with 5:57:10. The event sponsors, Quilter Cheviot also entered a team as did many local bike clubs. Hamish Vernal, Provost of Aberdeenshire saw the cyclists off at the start of the race and Councilor Blackett supported the participants as they came over the finish and was there to see Jim Savege, Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council, safely return in 6:27:20.
From the Rhynie start the fastest male cyclist was Grant East (3:39:10) who was narrowly beaten by the fastest female, Tess Lawson from Devon (3:35:21).
As well as the direct financial impact to local businesses that the influx of visitors has brought, a percentage of each registration fee will be supporting local initiatives. In addition, many cyclists have been raising funds for their own special causes. Ali Kinge raised approximately £3000 for The Headcase Cancer Trust, the only charity in the UK that dedicates its funding solely to research to find a cure for Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumours.
Many cyclists said they relished the opportunity to take on the brutal Lecht ascent (83 miles into the event) but found that the real killer was the next ascent which came at 90 miles and was even steeper.
The fantastic support of the marshals was praised by many and David Fox-Pitt of WildFox Events was at the Lecht to encourage a safe decent. The medics reported a high level of responsible riding with no hospital admissions on the day.
Local support was wonderful, and feedback was hugely positive:
“Please come back and let’s make 2016 fantastic for the cyclists and Ballater.”
“It was a really well organised event, with stunning scenery and thanks to all the local people cheering us all on.”
For more information, results and photos of the Etape Royale, please visit www.etaperoyale.com