The UK's longest-running closed road sportive, Etape Caledonia, is under new management for 2019. Organisers IMG have transferred the running of the Etape to Limelight Sports, along with two of their other events. Based in Pitlochry, the Etape Caledonia is run each May and offers riders a choice of routes in the picturesque surrounds of the Scottish Highlands.
First held in 2007, the Etape Caledonia made news earlier this year after IMG's attempts to extend the traditional 81-mile route to 100 miles were blocked amid opposition from some residents of Pitlochry who wanted the event headquarters moved outside the town centre.
The organisers argued that the event needed a refresh in order to attract riders in the face of increased competition from other sportives. But, as the Courier newspaper reports, many local businesses and residents feel the event brought disruption without offering tangible benefits in return.
In an apparent compromise the Etape route was slightly extended to 85 miles this year, and a new 20km time trial event was added to the programme for the weekend.
The date and format for the 2019 edition of the Etape Caledonia has yet to be announced, but a statement on the website hints at change, saying "we think you'll be pleasantly surprised!".
The statement adds:
As of Monday 8th October 2018, The Etape Caledonia is under new management. IMG will no longer be in charge of the day-to-day running of the event. Instead Limelight Sports will be managing The Etape Caledonia.
We want to take this opportunity to reassure all previous participants, future ones, loyal event supporters, volunteers and wider communities that the quality of The Etape Caledonia will remain as good as ever. Limelight Sports are well-known and recognised for delivering some of the best events in the business including The Royal Parks Half Marathon, The JP Morgan Corporate Challenge and the Descente London Duathlon.
Limelight Sports are extremely excited to be a part of this fantastic event and we look forward to leading it into a new era.
For more details visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk.
>>> Read our report on the 2016 Etape Caledonia: Etape Caledonia 2016: A high-speed romp through the Highlands >>>
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