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On the day

Please note final event information may be subject to change and will be available nearer the event date. 

 

Read on for important information on start waves, parking, support stations along the route and lots more.

 

The Start

  • Participants will be split into 4 waves (A-D) based on your estimated finish time.
  • You will receive an email with your specific start wave (A-D) and your allocated time to arrive at your start holding area in April.
  • Link to map showing how to access your start holding area (available in April).
  • Groups of riders will be released at 3 minute intervals between 06.00 and 06.50.
  • Your start wave is based on your estimated finish time as provided when you entered online. This ensures that the fastest and most experienced riders start at the head of the field and allows you to cycle with participants of similar ability for your safety and enjoyment.
  • Please allow plenty of time to get to your start holding area within your allocated arrival time. The start area is 0.6 miles from the Event Hub.
  • Please note that there are different access routes to the start holding areas for each start wave.
  • If you miss your arrival time for your start holding you will be asked to join the last wave of riders.
  • If you miss the final wave we are very sorry but you will NOT be allowed to take part in the event.

King of the Mountain

During the Etape Loch Ness at approx. 34 miles (55km) into the route as you leave Fort Augustus, there is a 4.8 mile (7.72km) climb gaining 380m in height and at times with a gradient reaching 12%.

The start and finish of the King of the Mountain section will be clearly marked and all participants receive a split time for this section, which will be included with your time.

Is there a cut-off time?

All riders must adhere to the minimum speed of 13mph. Riders falling behind this will be given the option of returning to the Event Hub in Inverness in the sweep bus or completing the course on open roads. This ensures that the roads are reopened as agreed with the authorities and local communities and once it is deemed safe to do so by the Event Organisers. This gives riders 5 hours and 38 minutes to complete the course on closed roads.

We want everyone to complete the course and have a safe and enjoyable experience.  For those participants who can no longer continue for mechanical, physical or medical reasons, the sweep team will take you and your bike back to the Event Hub in Inverness.

We reserve the right to use discretion to insist when riders get on the Sweep Bus. This will be on the grounds of safety of the rider or other road users, specifically on the section of the route on the A82 or for medical reasons.

Any rider who refuses to get on the sweep bus will be asked to sign an event disclaimer, will have their timing chip and rider number removed and will be advised that the Highway Code and usual Road Traffic laws apply.

Please note the Event Organisers’ decision is final. 

Support Stations

There will be 4 support stations on the course, located as follows:

  • Support Station 1 – Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit (mile 15)
  • Support Station 2 – Invermoriston (mile 27)
  • Support Station 3 – Wildside Centre (Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust) in Whitebridge  (mile 42)
  • Support Station 4 – between Inverfarigaig and Dores (mile 54.5)

Water and energy snacks will be available at the support stations however we recommend you start the event with two full water bottles and energy snacks.

Portable toilets, first aid and mechanical support will be available at each support station.

Mechanical Support

Our mechanical team will be on hand during registration, at the four support stations on the course and mobile along the route to assist with minor tweaks and mechanical issues.

However, if your bike is requiring more in-depth attention during registration, you will be directed to local bike shops where time will be limited due to most staff being present at the Event Hub. So be fully prepped and avoid mechanical issues on the day by booking your bike in for a service now.

We recommend you bring a basic bike repair kit with you, click here for more details.

With thanks to our mechanical support partners: 42 Cycling, Bikes of Inverness, Dryburgh Cycles, LC24 Cycle Repair and Orange Fox Bikes.

Parking

Parking will be available at the following locations over the event weekend (parking charges may apply).

Please note temporary traffic restrictions will be in place on the day of the event in and around Inverness and Loch Ness and plan your journey carefully.

Littering

It’s a privilege to be able to cycle around iconic Loch Ness and Inverness, so please do everything you can to keep it free from litter and dispose of your rubbish responsibly.

Please use litter bins and do not drop litter. Please keep your rubbish in your  pockets and get rid of it at the support stations, the finish and the Event Hub where litter bins are available.

In addition, there are 4 clearly signed Litter Drop Zones, which will be small sections of the road approx. 1-2 miles after each support station where you will be permitted to discard your litter. When using these zones, please take care to ensure you discard your litter at the LEFT edge of the road to reduce the risk of hazard to riders behind you.

Littering in any other locations along the route will NOT be tolerated. Please help us to keep Loch Ness and Inverness clean and tidy.

First Aid

First aid and medical care will be provided in both static and mobile units along the route. First aiders will be located at every support station, other static locations and at the Finish.

If you wish to retire at any point during the event, please approach an Event Official or one of our medical team.

FAQ

Looking for an answer to your question? A list of the most frequently asked questions cyclists ask is shown in our FAQ section.

VISIT OUR FAQ

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