One of Scotland’s biggest cycling events, which was rescued last year by a global sports agency, has announced its charity partner for 2019.
Marie Curie is expected to receive around £80,000 from this summer’s Etape Caledonia. It is the 11th year the charity has been linked to the closed road sportive.
Thousands of competitors from across the country are expected to take part in the race, which will be held in Highland Perthshire on Sunday, May 19.
Marie Curie has already made more than £1.6 million through the partnership.
By cycling for Team Marie Curie, participants will be enabling the charity’s nurses to continue to provide essential care to people living with a terminal illness, as well as vital emotional support for their loved ones.
The rights to the Etape were offloaded by London-based organiser IMG last year.
Agency Limelight Sports, which has decades of experience in mass participation events, got in the saddle in November and said it wanted to breathe new life into the race.
Chief executive Craig Dews said: “I am thrilled that we will be working with such a worthwhile charity as Marie Curie.
“The work that this charity does is inspiring and we are pleased that Etape Caledonia will raise more funds for them.”
Helen Stevens, the charity’s senior project manager, added: “Etape Caledonia is such an epic experience in a stunning setting and a must for every keen road cyclist.
“We are thrilled to be charity partner for the 2019 event and hope cyclists across the UK will be inspired to take part for team Marie Curie and raise vital funds for families living with terminal illness.”
Under the new five-year agreement, IMG retains ownership of the Etape brand and intellectual property. Limelight is responsible for managing the event, as well as securing licences and permissions.
Although IMG had been working to expand from an 85-mile to a 100-mile circuit, Limelight has assured council officers it does not intend to increase the route this summer.
Limelight outbid five other companies to secure the rights.
