Cycling legend Chris Boardman has confirmed he will take part in the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia in Perthshire.
The Olympic gold medallist will take part in the 81-mile sportive on May 11 alongside his Tour de France co-presenter Ned Boulting.
Boardman said he is looking forward to taking on the descents and hill climbing on the infamous ‘Schehallion’ alongside the 5,250 participants.
He said: “Sportives are a fantastic way to enjoy spectacular countryside at whatever pace you choose, that’s what I love about them.
“I already spend several months a year in the Highlands for the incredible vistas and great, cycling-friendly roads, so when I was invited to take part in The Etape Caledonia, the first on fully closed roads in the UK and in my favourite part of the British Isles, I wasn’t going to say no!”
“The Etape Caledonia is now known as one of the best cycling events in the UK and the fact that it has so many participants each year is testament to that.
“With heather covered mountains and beautiful lochs surrounding us all day as we head into the Highlands, it’s going to be an epic day and I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Having ridden the Tour de France and then moved to the ‘other side of the fence’ to commentate, of the two experiences, I have to confess I prefer the slower side!
“It’s also very useful for presenters to continue experiencing first-hand, what they will be talking about and see it from the point of view of the fans that will be watching the race. It helps to be able to tailor features and commentary to what they will want to know.
“Events like this give us that opportunity.”