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15 May 2009
Minister for the Environment to Open Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia
It will be an early start on Sunday for Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham, who is set to launch this year's major cycling event, the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia, in Pitlochry on Sunday 17th May at 7am.
The event has experienced its most popular year to date with more than 3,500 participants signed up to take part in the UK’s only closed road cycling event, demonstrating a rise in participation of almost 75% on last year.
Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham said, “I am thrilled to be launching this year’s Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia. The huge rise in participants shows that more cyclists than ever are eager to enjoy Highland Perthshire’s stunning landscape and fresh air, whilst more than 1000 participants will be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, a very worthwhile cause. “
“As part of the Scottish Government’s Homecoming campaign, this event shows Scotland’s natural environment at its very best, with around 3,500 cyclists as well as many spectators returning to enjoy Scotland’s scenery at this year’s Etape Caledonia.”
The Minister will welcome all participants which includes TV personalities, Olympic athletes and a team of more than one thousand Macmillan Cancer Support fundraisers to the starting point in Pitlochry before announcing the 81 mile competitive cycle ride officially open.
Macmillan estimates that the event will raise £225,000 to fund its vital cancer services. The charity has recently raised a massive £3.5 million in Perth to fund a new palliative care unit at Perth Royal Infirmary. The £3.775m unit is expected to open in winter 2010.
Selling out in early 2009, the Etape Caledonia is now at capacity and a firmly established annual event in Highland Perthshire. Participants are drawn in by the stunning scenery, with the route winding through the picturesque landscape, and the unique opportunity to enjoy this environment safely and without the pollution created by motor vehicles.
Jo Dytch, of organisers IMG, said “I am delighted that the Minister for the Environment has agreed to open this year’s event. This year we have 3500 cyclists taking advantage of the safety of closed roads and fresh Highland air, enjoying Scotland’s environment at its very best.
Already we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of cyclists enjoying the area throughout the year and we fully expect this year’s event to draw large crowds of spectators. With such substantial numbers participating we expect it to be a very busy weekend for the area, and a great boost to the economy of Highland Perthshire.”
Director of Macmillan Cancer Support Elspeth Atkinson said: “We are pleased that the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia is being supported by our Scottish Parliament. Many of those who have already signed up have said they will raise money for Macmillan and we are very grateful to them. “
This year, the event 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.
Minister for the Environment to Open Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia
It will be an early start on Sunday for Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham, who is set to launch this year's major cycling event, the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia, in Pitlochry on Sunday 17th May at 7am.
The event has experienced its most popular year to date with more than 3,500 participants signed up to take part in the UK’s only closed road cycling event, demonstrating a rise in participation of almost 75% on last year.
Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham said, “I am thrilled to be launching this year’s Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia. The huge rise in participants shows that more cyclists than ever are eager to enjoy Highland Perthshire’s stunning landscape and fresh air, whilst more than 1000 participants will be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, a very worthwhile cause. “
“As part of the Scottish Government’s Homecoming campaign, this event shows Scotland’s natural environment at its very best, with around 3,500 cyclists as well as many spectators returning to enjoy Scotland’s scenery at this year’s Etape Caledonia.”
The Minister will welcome all participants which includes TV personalities, Olympic athletes and a team of more than one thousand Macmillan Cancer Support fundraisers to the starting point in Pitlochry before announcing the 81 mile competitive cycle ride officially open.
Macmillan estimates that the event will raise £225,000 to fund its vital cancer services. The charity has recently raised a massive £3.5 million in Perth to fund a new palliative care unit at Perth Royal Infirmary. The £3.775m unit is expected to open in winter 2010.
Selling out in early 2009, the Etape Caledonia is now at capacity and a firmly established annual event in Highland Perthshire. Participants are drawn in by the stunning scenery, with the route winding through the picturesque landscape, and the unique opportunity to enjoy this environment safely and without the pollution created by motor vehicles.
Jo Dytch, of organisers IMG, said “I am delighted that the Minister for the Environment has agreed to open this year’s event. This year we have 3500 cyclists taking advantage of the safety of closed roads and fresh Highland air, enjoying Scotland’s environment at its very best.
Already we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of cyclists enjoying the area throughout the year and we fully expect this year’s event to draw large crowds of spectators. With such substantial numbers participating we expect it to be a very busy weekend for the area, and a great boost to the economy of Highland Perthshire.”
Director of Macmillan Cancer Support Elspeth Atkinson said: “We are pleased that the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia is being supported by our Scottish Parliament. Many of those who have already signed up have said they will raise money for Macmillan and we are very grateful to them. “
This year, the event 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.
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