Record rider numbers tackle Loch Ness cycling challenge
More than 6,000 cyclists signed up to take on the 66-mile closed-road sportive
A record number of riders have taken on the Etape cycling challenge at Loch Ness.
More than 6,000 cyclists signed up to take on the 66-mile closed-road sportive around the iconic loch on Sunday after general entry sold out in just 36 hours.
Many entrants were riding for charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support - raising more than £220,000 for the cause.
The Etape Loch Ness is the largest closed road cycle sportive in Scotland.
Finishing fastest this year were Scott Davidson and Andrew MacRae from Moray Firth Cycling Club in an equal time of 2:46:04, and Catriona Lockie from Torvelo Racing in a time of 2:58:12.
READ MORE: 34-year-old man missing from Invergordon
For the first time in the history of the Etape Loch Ness, there were both joint first and joint third place finishers for the males, split by just one second.
Richie Sim and Darren Dean were joint third finishers, in a time of 2:46:05.
For the female riders, Lynne Cordiner of Moray Firth Cycling Club finished second in a time of 3:02:00, followed by Natalie Munro of Moray Gravel Collective in a time of 03:03:54.
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 (9km) 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 and Emily Palmer took the titles with times of 19:35 and 26:02 respectively, and each received a special jersey.
READ MORE: WATCH: Cove Rangers lift League 1 trophy
Malcolm Sutherland, event director of Etape Loch Ness, said: “Riders came from across Scotland, the UK and as far afield as Australia, Chile and the United Arab Emirates to experience the event and some Highland hospitality – and it did not disappoint.
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Etape Loch Ness a success, including the Highland Council and our other partners, our sponsors, our many volunteers and the communities along the route.”
Bethany Adams, senior challenge events programme manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “We are so grateful to all the Etape Loch Ness riders who have raised £220,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, with more to come in from the weekend.
"Your generosity is so important and allows us to continue supporting those impacted by cancer. Thank you all.”