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31 March 2009
Flying in from Around the Globe for Etape Caledonia
With a record 3500 people signing up to take part in this year’s Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia on Sunday 17th May, the growing popularity of the three year old event is hardly in surprising.
More surprising, however, is that, for the first time in the recent history, the Royal Air Force Cycling Team has set a new record for themselves, with a staggering 25 team members flying in to Scotland from across the globe to take part in the event.
Flt. Lt. Marc Preece, from 43F Squadron based at RAF Leuchars commented, “This is a truly amazing turn out for the RAF cycling team and certainly one of the biggest attendances that I can recall during my period in service. As a team the RAF servicemen and women have the opportunity to cycle in major sporting events across the globe. It’s a real pleasure to see that a cycling event closer to home has captured the imagination of our cyclists.”
With 25 personnel to co-ordinate, serving in different parts of the United Kingdom and, indeed, in all four corners of the globe, Marc has had his work cut out for him – and that’s before they even arrive in Pitlochry to set up camp.
However the stunning panorama of Queen’s View awaits them, and with athletic climbs up the side of Schiehallion and breathtaking vistas of two of Scotland’s most tranquil lochs the 81 mile course is one of the most challenging and rewarding events of the season.
“Many of our cyclists are currently training overseas, so keeping them up to date with information on the event is, in itself, a communications challenge. However, come the weekend of the 16th and 17th May, we’ll all be there in our red, white and blues and ready to take on Schiehallion on two wheels!” said Marc.
This year, Etape Caledonia has featured as part of the Scottish Government’s Homecoming Scotland campaign with firm support from Event Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council, attracting top sponsors such as Macmillan Cancer Care, Highland Spring, Adidas, Powerbar, The Evening Standard, Cycling Plus, Women’s Fitness, Wiggle and Mavic.
Jo Dytch, IMG, said “We were delighted when the RAF approached us and asked to take part as a team. This event will be bigger than ever and we’re hoping that local people will come out to support the participants by cheering them on at the start and finish lines on Sunday 17th May.”
Director of Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, Elspeth Atkinson, said: “We are delighted that the RAF is planning to field such a large team in the Etape. It’s amazing that these men are flying in from all over the world to take part in the race which we hope will raise around £150,000 for Macmillan.”
For more information on the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk.
Flying in from Around the Globe for Etape Caledonia
With a record 3500 people signing up to take part in this year’s Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia on Sunday 17th May, the growing popularity of the three year old event is hardly in surprising.
More surprising, however, is that, for the first time in the recent history, the Royal Air Force Cycling Team has set a new record for themselves, with a staggering 25 team members flying in to Scotland from across the globe to take part in the event.
Flt. Lt. Marc Preece, from 43F Squadron based at RAF Leuchars commented, “This is a truly amazing turn out for the RAF cycling team and certainly one of the biggest attendances that I can recall during my period in service. As a team the RAF servicemen and women have the opportunity to cycle in major sporting events across the globe. It’s a real pleasure to see that a cycling event closer to home has captured the imagination of our cyclists.”
With 25 personnel to co-ordinate, serving in different parts of the United Kingdom and, indeed, in all four corners of the globe, Marc has had his work cut out for him – and that’s before they even arrive in Pitlochry to set up camp.
However the stunning panorama of Queen’s View awaits them, and with athletic climbs up the side of Schiehallion and breathtaking vistas of two of Scotland’s most tranquil lochs the 81 mile course is one of the most challenging and rewarding events of the season.
“Many of our cyclists are currently training overseas, so keeping them up to date with information on the event is, in itself, a communications challenge. However, come the weekend of the 16th and 17th May, we’ll all be there in our red, white and blues and ready to take on Schiehallion on two wheels!” said Marc.
This year, Etape Caledonia has featured as part of the Scottish Government’s Homecoming Scotland campaign with firm support from Event Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council, attracting top sponsors such as Macmillan Cancer Care, Highland Spring, Adidas, Powerbar, The Evening Standard, Cycling Plus, Women’s Fitness, Wiggle and Mavic.
Jo Dytch, IMG, said “We were delighted when the RAF approached us and asked to take part as a team. This event will be bigger than ever and we’re hoping that local people will come out to support the participants by cheering them on at the start and finish lines on Sunday 17th May.”
Director of Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, Elspeth Atkinson, said: “We are delighted that the RAF is planning to field such a large team in the Etape. It’s amazing that these men are flying in from all over the world to take part in the race which we hope will raise around £150,000 for Macmillan.”
For more information on the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk.
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