THE first ever Marmotte Gran Fondo cycling event to be held outside mainland Europe will take place in East Ayrshire this September.
Organised by Golazo Cycling and East Ayrshire Council, the action includes a mass participation time trial, sportive and leisure ride over closed roads and aimed at riders of all abilities.
The three-day festival will get under way with Tour de Colour, a 4km running festival around Kay Park in Kilmarnock on September 23.
Runners set out with a white t-shirt and pass through a series of zones where they will become a canvas for a vibrant celebration of colour.
The Marmotte Ecosse Chrono time trial will take place on September 24 with the Marmotte Ecosse Gran Fondo cycle sport event on September 25.
The Chrono is 12.4 miles (20km), while the Gran Fondo has a choice of 85 miles (137km) and 58 miles (94km) routes.
In the tradition of a Gran Fondo, the event is designed as a race at the front with leisure riders following behind at their own pace as the route weaves its way through the East Ayrshire countryside.
It will join a unique group of the best sportive cycling events under the Marmotte banner alongside the iconic Gran Fondo Alps, Sestriere and Pyrenees.
Organiser Tom Caldwell of Golazo Cycling said: “In the true tradition of a Marmotte Gran Fondo, the event will offer riders the chance to experience a classic European style sportive event delivered in Scotland.”
Craig Burn, chief executive of Scottish Cycling, said: “We are delighted to see well organised, safe and accessible mass participation events come to Scotland, especially those with such a rich history and connection to the fantastic events we already see which are ran worldwide, and from the organiser of an existing highly regarded event.”
Provost of East Ayrshire Jim Todd said: “The Marmotte Ecosse Gran Fondo will be a remarkable event, not only for East Ayrshire, but for Scotland as a whole as we welcome cyclists from all over the world to experience our stunning scenery and rich heritage first hand.
“East Ayrshire is a land of rolling hills and inland beauty stretching from the south of Glasgow towards the south-west coast of Scotland. Ours is the perfect landscape for cyclists to test their abilities as they explore the delights and challenges our countryside has to offer.”
September 23: Tour De Colour
September 24: Marmotte Ecosse Chrono
September 25: Marmotte Ecosse Gran Fondo
For more information, visit marmotteecosse.com
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