Councillor Liz Grant, Provost of Perth & Kinross will open Scotland's Macmillan Cycletta, the UK's leading cycling series especially for women, this Sunday (July 19) morning in the stunning and historic grounds of Scone Palace in Perthshire.
The event series is now entering its third year in Scotland and a new 150km distance has seen a surge in entries at the top levels, proving that there's no shortage of interest in pushing the boundaries of the growing interest in women's cycling in Scotland.
The Macmillan Cycletta Scotland route is arguably the most challenging of all the Cycletta events and takes in some breathtaking scenery along the way. The routes, which comprise of 20km, 50km, 100km and the newly introduced 150km distances, will see hundreds of ladies take to the Perthshire and Angus countryside on two wheels, passing through towns and villages such as Balbeggie, Eassie, Kettins and Burrleton.
Commenting on the event, the Provost said:
"I am delighted to be back in the grounds of Scone Palace, an iconic location, to open Macmillan Cycletta Scotland for a third consecutive year and to welcome it back to Perthshire. Perth & Kinross has a long history of leading the field when it comes to world class sporting events and I'm delighted to have seen Macmillan Cycletta Scotland grow since it was launched, and to return to the area for a third successful year."
"It is simply amazing to know that so many ladies will be travelling from around Scotland this Sunday to take to Perthshire's roads on two wheels and, as the longest distance now takes in a 150km circuit, the stunning landscapes of our neighbours in Angus. I very much look forward to cheering them all on from the start line. It is such a lovely way to keep fit and to stay healthy."
Gillian Daly, Senior PR Manager at Macmillan Cycletta commented:
"We're now counting down the hours to this year's Macmillan Cycletta event in Scotland and I'm delighted that the Provost will formally open the event for a third year running. She has been extremely supportive of the event and we're delighted she has been at the start line to see it grow and develop. So far the signs are that the weather will be reflective of a typical Scottish summer day!"
Macmillan Cycletta Scotland is open to ladies aged 12 and upwards (although under 16s require adult accompaniment) and includes different distances starting from just 20km.
Last minute entries are available on the day. Organisers recommend you come early to ensure registration in time for the start, payment on the day is by cash or cheque only. For more information visit: www.humanrace.co.uk/cycletta
The Macmillan Cycletta website offers a host of information on training, race day advice and bike maintenance. There is also an active Twitter account (@cycletta) and www.facebook.com/cycletta resources to encourage participants to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments.