Whisky cycle due to hit the road

CYCLISTS with or without a thirst can get on their bikes for a major new charity cycling event that is coming to Moray in June.

The 2012 Whisky Trail Sportive which takes place on June 24, will serve up a flavour of continental cycling with a highly distinctive twist.

A sportive is not a race but a mass participation cycling event where cyclists are timed over a set distance.

Cycle Sportives have grown in popularity over the last decade inspired by the boom in the popularity of road cycling.

The Whisky Trail Sportive is unique as it will be the first ever sportive to celebrate Scotland’s unique Malt Whisky Trail. Hopes are high that it will become an annual event, attracting cyclists to the splendours that Moray has to offer and boosting tourism.

It will incorporate three different routes and help generate funds for the North East Sensory Services. As well as a portion of the proceeds going to the charity, riders will be encouraged to raise more funds.

It is being organised by Maximise Sport, and supported by Moray Council who have welcomed the event. Current convener George McIntyre said it would be widely welcomed.

“This promises to be a wonderful event which will attract cyclists from far and wide,” he said. “And what better way to enjoy some of Moray’s finest scenery than touring the area by cycle”

The route of the sportive has been specially selected to give riders the opportunity to experience the magic of the area, the distilleries, the geography and contours of the magnificent Moray countryside.

The Event start/finish will be in Elgin’s Cooper Park, where Moray Council also intend to host a number of other tourist attractions on the day.

Riders who will set off between 7.30am and 9.30am on the day, can choose a leg sapping 80 miles circuit, or a slightly less demanding 40 mile route with a 10-mile family ride also available. Elgin City FC will partner the event and provide access to changing, shower and refreshment facilities.

There will be no mass start ride as riders will be released in groups of around 20, set off at two minute intervals. The 10 mile family ride also starts and finishes at Cooper Park and is scheduled to start at 10am and negotiate a family friendy route.

David Lang spokesman for the organisers, is recommending that all riders prepare properly to participate in their chosen events.

“The Whisky Trail Sportive has all the elements necessary to deliver an outstanding sportive - great roads, magnificent scenery and an exceptional route,” he said, “following parts of the renowned Malt Whisky Trail all contribute to create an event with outstanding potential.”

The Malt Whisky Trail is the only one of its kind in the world, making it a unique selling point for Moray, which is home to more than 50 distilleries, which is about half of Scotland’s total.

This includes world famous malt whisky names such as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and The Macallan.

Many of the main whisky distilleries have visitor’s centres and the route encompasses most of them, with the aim of persuadinge riders, families and friends to lengthen their stay and take the opportunity to explore the area.

Information including link to the electronic entry portal is online at http://www.thewhiskytrailsportive.com.