The stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire was the setting for thousands of cyclists, including an Olympic gold medallist, who took part in a tough 81-mile challenge.
The Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia event began and finished in Pitlochry with a staggering 5,250 participants taking part this year.
It sold out in just eight hours and was praised by Chris Boardman, a former Olympic gold medallist and world-record holder, who said he was combining the event with looking for a house.
“When I’m riding the route I’ll be keeping an eye out for the ‘for sale’ signs, although in the interests of getting a decent time I won’t be stopping off,” he said.
“Key for me is a house with some wow factor, no more than a mile from a great local pub and not too far from the train station so I can easily commute.”
He continued: “It’s such a stunning area of Scotland so if we find the right property we’ll definitely be calling it home. Of course, my wife has the final say so I’ve just been sent to scout it out this weekend.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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, and events like this give us that opportunity.”
The first of the competitors started at 6.30am, with the last heading out at 7.22am.
Other notable competitors included former Scottish Rugby Union player Rob Wainwright; Ian Rankin, vice-president of the Scottish Rugby Union; Tristan Glasse Davies, coach with the British Alpine Ski and Snowboard team; and Paul Cherry, former star with St Johnstone.
Participants also came from Europe and America.
Etape began in 2007 and has grown to become a permanent fixture among events being held in Highland Perthshire.
The top male was Neil Kemp, Glasgow, 37, with a time of 3h 26m 01s. Top female was Ingrid Kidd, of Kirriemuir, 38, with a time of 3h 41m 01s. First over the finish line was Jamie Henderson for Spokes Cycling Club in Fife (not the fastest time).
See more at www.etapecaledonia.co.uk