Perth & Kinross

Drone footage and pictures as UCI World Championship Gran Fondo races through Perthshire

Up to 8,000 cyclists from across the world took part in the event.

By Kieran Webster and Megan Avolio

August 4 2023, 5:16pm

August 4 2023, 5:16pm

Thousands of cyclists from around the world descended on Perthshire to take part in a major cycling race.

The Gran Fondo (which translates as Big Ride in Italian) saw cyclists race through Perthshire as part of the UCI World Championships 2023.

Cyclists raced through towns such as Aberfeldy and Pitlcohry as part of the route, which started in Perth and finished at Scone Palace.

Competitors had the choice of two routes: The Gran Fondo ,which was 160km and the Medio Fondo which was 86km.

Our photographers Steve Brown and Steve MacDougall caught the best of the action.

Cyclists get ready at the start line. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Willie White and wife Diane White with grandchildren Liam White (aged 5, left) and Adam White (aged 8, right) came out to watch the Gran Fondo. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

The competitors wait patiently. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

The atmosphere was buzzing at the start line. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

UCI World championships Gran Fondo. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Lots of different countries were represented at this event. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Spectators brought their flags to show their support. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Two Irish competitors get ready. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

The streets were filled with people coming to watch the race. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Japan and USA had cyclists taking part. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

And they’re off! Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

The cyclists made their way down Tay Street. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Spectators were seen photographing the event. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

People of all ages made their way round the 160km route. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Everyone was off to a flying start. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Everyone was seen capturing the start of the race. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

A huge turn out for the Gran Fondo. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Waiting patiently for the cyclists to pass. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Plenty of clapping and cheering to see the cyclists through the first stage. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Perth brothers Liam White (left, aged 5) and Adam White (right, aged 8) got a head start. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

UCI Gran Fondo race comes through Aberfeldy cheered on by the locals and teams at the roadside. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Racers are keeping up their pace. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

A youngster was seen keeping an eye on the incoming cyclists. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Team members pass out bottles of water to keep them going. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Heading over the bridge. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

A Chilean cyclist raced through Aberfeldy. Friday 4th August 2023. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Kids waved Scottish flags. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

UCI Gran Fondo Race. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

A quick roadside fix. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Cyclists made their way through the windy roads. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Locals came out to show support. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

A sea of helmets. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Locals pitched up roadside for the UCI event. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

They made their way to Tummel Bridge. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Some roadside assistance. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

The weather stayed fair for the race. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

People cheered them on at the bridge. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Cyclists made their way to the end of the race. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Cameras were at the ready. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

An Australian cyclist crossed the finish line. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Teams, cyclists, supporters and enthusiasts all gathered at Scone Palace. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

The 160km race was over. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Selfies to remember the day. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Crowds gathered to get podium pictures. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

In centre is 1st place in W50-54 group Amy Phillips from USA. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

In the centre is first place in M60-64 group Jorn Fjeldavlie from Norway. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

In the centre is 1st place in M80-84 group James MacDonald from USA. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Austrian cyclists in front of Scone Palace. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

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