Top five cycling events in Scotland
September 2 (TravelAndy): As Scottish cycling star and ultra-endurance athlete Mark Beaumont passes the 60 day mark of his gruelling record-breaking attempt to cycle around the globe in 80 days and the OVO Energy Tour of Britain kicks off in Edinburgh for the first time on Sunday, VisitScotland takes a look at some of the brilliant cycling events taking place around the country this year.
There are numerous ways to get involved, whether watching and cheering at the OVO Energy Tour of Britain or getting on your own bike at Pedal for Scotland. Scotland is a playground for both mountain bikers and road cyclists alike, with events to suit all ages and disciplines.
Inspired to get on your bike? Here are 5 top cycling events taking place across Scotland this autumn.
OVO Energy Tour of Britain
3 September: Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders
Stage One of the race will head from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile through East Lothian and into the Scottish Borders with the finish coming in the town of Kelso. The opening leg also includes a 79 kilometre loop in the Scottish Borders, giving fans at the finish in Kelso town centre the opportunity to see the world’s top riders in action twice.
Spectator event | professional road cycling
Pedal for Scotland
10 September: Glasgow-Edinburgh
Pedal for Scotland, organised by Cycling Scotland, is Scotland’s biggest bike event with over 7, 500 cyclists taking part. Join the 45 mile Classic Challenge from Glasgow to Edinburgh, the colossal 93 mile Big Belter from Glasgow to Edinburgh or The Wee Jaunt taking in the last 10 miles of the Classic Challenge.
Family | charity | road cycling
Oban Sportive
24 September: Oban
Back for its fifth year, Oban Sportive offers two challenging routes through Argyll’s stunning scenery. Starting and finishing at the sea port of Oban, expect sea views, lochs and mountains combined with tough riding and a warm welcome.
Sportive | road cycling
Tour de Ben Nevis
7 October: Fort William
The Tour de Ben Nevis is the ultimate MTB challenge for endurance athletes and people with a sense of adventure. A 72km circumnavigation of Ben Nevis from Fort William, this is one of the country’s longest point-to-point events; an MTB endurance and mountain marathon event all rolled into one. The event brings mountain biking back to the mountains.
Experienced riders | mountain biking
Falkirk Funduro
25 November: Falkirk
This unique day and night mountain bike Enduro race at Callendar Estate is ideal for young and novice riders with options for the more seasoned riders who like a challenge. The Funduro also makes for a great spectator event as the course is accessible enough that family and friends can be on hand to cheer you on as you hurtle towards certain joy.
Family | mountain biking
