Riders on this year's Etape Caledonia - billed as the UK's original closed-roads sportive - will be treated to a little more climbing than in previous editions as organisers have added an extra four miles to the course.
The 2018 Etape Caledonia takes place on Sunday 20th May. The new section begins about 12 miles from the start in Pitlochry, and takes in a challenging 374m climb towards Trinafour before descending to rejoin the traditional route for a lap of Loch Rannoch.
The addition brings the course distance to 85 miles (134km). The organisers had originally hoped to extend the course to 100 miles but met with opposition from locals who feared a negative impact on tourism; this despite the organisers' claims that last year's edition alone brought £1 million into the local economy.
The organisers have however succeeded in adding a brand new 40-mile course option to this year's event. Riders looking for a more sedate challenge will now be able to enjoy the area's beautiful scenery on the short route, which follows the same road as the long course before cutting left at Tummel Bridge for what looks like a fairly taxing climb to 392m. From there the course loops around back to the start, where riders can relax and savour their achievement at the event festival.
With a new route, new website - and a new cap for all entrants! - there's a fresh feel to this year's Etape Caledonia. It may be the UK's longest-running closed roads sportive, but there's plenty of mileage in it yet.
For full details and to book your place in this year's Etape Caledonia, visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk.
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