Organisers of the inaugural Angus Cycling Festival say the event has exceeded their expectations.
Forfar’s Reid Park was the weekend hub for the climax of a wider programme which got under way just over a month ago and two-wheeled enthusiasts from across Scotland delivered a major boost to the town as they participated in a number of events over the two days.
The festival was the brainchild of Angus Cycle Hub and the Scottish Mountain Bike Consortium, and with the support of grant funding from Angus Council organisers devised a busy schedule designed to appeal to all ages and abilities.
Aaron Gray of the SMBC said participants had come from as far as the Borders to tackle events including Sunday’s Forfar Funduro, with other attractions such as a thrilling airbag stunt competition proving a big draw.Click here for a full photo gallery“The numbers for the funduro event surprised us and the festival in general has surpassed our expectations,” he said.
The Forfar Funduro saw mountain bikers tackle a series of sections in the Reid Park and on the nearby Balmashanner Hill quarry course which is fast gaining a reputation as a top cross-country test.
Earlier this year the quarry, known locally as Bummie, staged the first round of the Scottish championship in an event organised by Angus Bike Chain and the club hope to see it return next year.
In the Reid Park itself, a range of stands gave visitors the opportunity to either view the latest equipment or get in the saddle to tackle mini obstacle courses and various other tests.
Youth was also to the fore in Forfar on Saturday when the festival staged the first round of the Big Tree Campervans Tayside and Fife Youth MTB series, a competition which involves 5 to 16-year-olds in a six-race programme across Courier Country.
Graeme McLean of Scottish Cycling said the opportunity to be part of the Angus event was too good to miss.
“It’s all about staging fun local events and giving youngsters access to mountain bike racing so we are very keen to try to tie in with events like this.”