ETAPE Loch Ness celebrated its tenth anniversary with more than £2m raised for charity since the first event.
The cycling event offers participants an opportunity to raise money for charity by cycling a traffic-free route around Loch Ness, starting and finishing in the Highland capital of Inverness.
This year’s Etape, whose official charity is Macmillan Cancer support, was started by ex-Commonwealth games cyclist Brian Smith with over 5,600 participants from 24 countries taking on the 66-mile route on April 28.
The charity event also offers participants a chance to take on the King of the Mountain, a 4.8 mile timed stretch where those with the fastest times have the opportunity to be crowned king or queen of the mountain.
Malcolm Sutherland, Event Director of Etape Loch Ness, said: “Congratulations to everyone who took on the challenge of the Etape Loch Ness this year.
“A special mention must go to the 21 cyclists who have taken part in every Etape Loch Ness since 2014, it was great to welcome them back again in 2024 and to recognise their achievements with cycling legend Brian Smith.
“We’re so proud of what the event has grown into over the past 10 years and grateful to everyone who makes it happen each year, especially our amazing team and army of volunteers.
“To exceed £2m raised for Macmillan Cancer Support in this time – not to mention the many other charities that benefit from fundraising at the event – makes this milestone even more special.”
Q&A events were hosted ahead of the event, with Brian Smith joined by Commonwealth sprint cyclist, silver medallist Charline Jones.
Also in attendance was ex-Scottish rugby internationals Ruaridh Jackson and Ryan Grant, Commonwealth Games gold medal rifle shooter Neil Stirton and Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers.
Daniel Sutherland of Ross-shire Roads Cycling Club in a time of 2:45:26 and Natalie Munro of Moray Gravel RT in a time of 2:58:50 finishing fastest this year.
Andy Cunningham for the seventh time and Charlotte Dewdney for the second consecutive year were crowned king and queen of the mountain respectively.
Since the first event 2014, more than £2m has been raised for the charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, with £210,000 raised so far by team Macmillan riders in 2024.
Jimmy Holland, programme manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Raising £210,000 so far this year and exceeding £2m raised for Macmillan Cancer Support over 10 years of the Etape Loch Ness is incredible.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to this total over the years – your efforts mean we can continue to support those affected by cancer. Thank you.”
Those interested in taking part in the 2025 Etape Loch Ness, taking place on April 27 2025, can register their interest now at Etape’s website.
Entry typically sells out within hours, so cyclists are encouraged to register to avoid disappointment.
