Early birds will stand the best chance of being on the start line of one of Scotland's most iconic cycle events - Etape Loch Ness 2017 is offering priority entry to cyclists who pre-register their interest.
In previous years, many cyclists have been left disappointed when slots for the closed roads sportive have sold out just hours after going on sale. However, those who pre-register on the event website - www.etapelochness.com - will get the chance to claim their place during a 48-hour window before entries go on general sale.
Last year, all available places sold out in 51 hours and it is expected that demand will be just as high for the 2017 edition. The 66-mile sportive takes place on Sunday, April 23 and will once again follow roads around the shore of Loch Ness.
It is anticipated that there will be increased capacity this year, but organisers say they still expect a rush when they start accepting entries in the near future.
Event director Malcolm Sutherland says, "We always knew that Etape Loch Ness would be an incredibly popular event - the opportunity to cycle around one of the most beautiful locations in the UK on traffic-free roads is just too good an opportunity to pass up.
"However, we never expected that it would take off in quite the way that it has. We have been able to increase capacity each year since the event launched in 2014, and each year the event has sold out.
"So, we are strongly urging people to sign up and register their interest in advance to ensure they get a place. They will be given an email link which will allow them access to the entry system before it is open to anyone else.
"The event will then open up to general entry, assuming there is still the capacity at that stage."
Macmillan Cancer Support is once again the official charity of the event, and it will also have slots available for riders who want to raise funds. Last year, spaces for Team Macmillan also sold out in record time.
Cyclists travel from all over the UK and beyond to take part in Etape Loch Ness - last year 4,200 people signed up for the opportunity to cycle the stunning route in the Scottish Highlands.
The route starts in Inverness, follows the north side of the loch passing the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle, and then switches onto the south side for the second half heading back towards the Highland capital.
Once they pass Fort Augustus, cyclists will face the toughest challenge of the course. They will need to conquer the King of the Mountain stage - a 4.8 mile climb rising to 380m in height towards the Glendoe Summit. This is a timed stage, and prizes are awarded to the King and Queen of the Mountain.
To register interest in the event and to enter visit www.etapelochness.com.
Regular updates also appear on social media through Facebook and Twitter.
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