Etape Caledonia Cycle Race

The Etape Caledonia is an 81 mile cycle challenge that takes place on traffic-free roads in the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. Starting and finishing in the attractive Victorian town of Pitlochry, the route encompasses closed roads around Loch Tummel, Loch Rannoch, Fortingall, Weem, Aberfeldy, Grandtully and Logierait.

The race is open to anyone aged between 18 and 80. It attracts some of the top cyclists in the UK as well as first-timers keen to give road race cycling a try. The Etape is the only fully-closed road race in the UK and is therefore a safe environment to commence a road cycling career. However, you don’t need to be a competitor to enjoy the race – there are numerous spectator points along the route and the riders certainly appreciate cheering and vocal support as the route can be a gruelling endurance test with some steep climbs and descents.

Pitlochry and much of Highland Perthshire are vibrant on the weekend of the race in mid-May. Competitors travel from around the country in order to stay locally and ensure they are prepared to the early 7AM start time on the Sunday morning. Competitors are well served by Pitlochry’s specialist cycling shop, Escape Route of Pitlochry, which is renowned throughout the Scottish and British cycling community as a mecca for quality cycle kit and a great pit-stop when training and riding in Highland Perthshire’s fantastic cycling terrain.