£200,000 raised so far for Macmillan Cancer Support
The Etape Loch Ness 2023 has been hailed a success after 6,000 cyclists from 20 countries signed up to take on the 66-mile closed road sportive.
As part of the event, £200,000 has been raised for charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support so far by almost 800 riders who were participating for the charity, taking the total raised for the charity since 2014 to £1.88m.
General entry for the 2023 event sold out in just 50 hours, with participants of all abilities coming from Scotland and the UK to as far afield as the USA, Canada, United Arab Emirates, China, Australia and South Africa.
Finishing fastest were Gavin Dempster of Moray Firth Cycling Club in a time of 02:45:22 and Catriona Lockie of Torvelo in a time of 03:02:43.
This is the third consecutive year that Catriona has been fastest female.
The Etape Loch Ness course includes the King of the Mountain, which is located after Fort Augustus, 34 miles (55km) into the route, and consists of a 4.8 mile (7.72 km) climb to the top of the Glendoe summit.
The fastest male and female for this section are crowned King and Queen of the Mountain.
This year, Andy Cunningham was crowned King of the Mountain for the fourth consecutive year, in a time of 00:21:20, while Charlotte Dewdney was crowned Queen of the Mountain in a time of 00:26:54.
The King and Queen of the Mountain were presented with a special jersey by former Olympic and Scottish Commonwealth Games road cyclist turned commentator Brian Smith.
Commenting on the event, Malcolm Sutherland, Event Director of Etape Loch Ness, said:
“Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Etape Loch Ness 2023.
“It was great to welcome people from all over the world to the Highland capital, and to see them enjoy Scotland’s largest closed road cycle sportive.
“As always, the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, partners and agencies.
“A special thank you must also go to our fantastic team of volunteers and the communities along the route.
“And finally, a big well done to everyone who raised money for charity, including our charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support.
“Well done to you all!”
Jimmy Holland, Programme Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, added:
“What a fantastic day at the Etape Loch Ness 2023!
“Our heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who took part for Macmillan Cancer Support, helping raise £200,000 so far this year, with even more to come in from the weekend.
“We know that many budgets are stretched just now so we appreciate every single donation which helps us support those impacted by cancer.”
Fastest finishers were presented with their prizes by Depute Provost of Inverness, Councillor Jackie Hendry, who said:
“The organisers have done a terrific job in bringing so many competitors together to what has become an increasingly popular and eagerly awaited highlight event in our city’s calendar.
“The amount raised for charity is a real achievement so well done.
“My congratulations go to everyone who has taken part and I hope their efforts will encourage more people to get out and about on their bikes across the city and beyond now spring has arrived.”
Malcolm added:
“If you’re still buzzing after this year’s event or would like to take part for the first time, you can register to be the first to hear when entry opens for the Etape Loch Ness 2024!
“We hope to see you next year.”
The 2024 Etape Loch Ness will take place on 28th April.
Entry typically sells out within hours so those interested in signing up can register their interest now at www.etapelochness.com
Times of the Etape Loch Ness 2023 are as follows.
Fastest males:
1st: Gavin Dempster, Moray Firth Cycling Club, 02:45:22
2nd equal: Scott Davidson, Moray Firth Cycling Club, and Daniel Sutherland, Ross-shire Roads Cycle Club, 02:51:43
King of the Mountain: Andy Cunningham, 00:21:20
Fastest females:
1st: Catriona Lockie, Torvelo, 03:02:43
2nd: Martha Gates, Moray Firth Cycling Club, 03:06:36
3rd: Charlotte Dewdney, 03:09:18
Queen of the Mountain: Charlotte Dewdney, 00:26:54
