Web by WebXeL
News | Details
17 May 2009
Etape Caledonia: Organisers angered at unsafe actions of local protestors
At 0930hrs this morning the organisers, IMG, were alerted to a major safety incident on a section of the Etape Caledonia, an 81 mile closed road cycle event, that required the event to be held up in the middle of the course.
It is believed that local protestors scattered a large number of carpet tacks along significant sections of the course. The safety issue was highlighted by the lead group of cyclists experiencing punctures at a specific section at Innerhadden and Schiehallion, 43 miles into the route. Subsequently approximately one hundred of additional cyclists also received punctures as they approached the area.
As a result of safety concerns, primarily that cyclists could receive punctures in fast sections of the course and subsequently fall from their bikes at high speeds, the Organisers, in co-ordination with the local police and council implemented immediate safety contingencies.
These contingencies included holding competitors mid course, resulting in a delay to the participants taking part in the event, while the roads were made as safe as possible. Once the Organisers were satisfied with the safety of the course the event was resumed. The competitors were in high spirits despite the interruption.
The Organisers are treating this matter very seriously and are working with the local police and local council to investigate matters further.
A spokesman for Tayside Police said:
''Tayside Police is carrying out enquiries after a number of competitors in the Etape Caledonia cycle event in Perthshire suffered punctured tyres earlier today (Sun. May 17).
In what were reckless and irresponsible actions, tacks were scattered on the roadway in the Aberfeldy area at some point this morning. This resulted in a number of the 3500-plus cyclists suffering punctured tyres and the temporary postponement of the race.
Uniform and detective officers are carrying out investigations in the area and are following a positive line of enquiry.
This annual event has been successfully held in one of the most attractive and picturesque areas of the UK for a number of years, with the Organisers working closely with Perth and Kinross Council, Tayside Police and the local community itself.
We would appeal to anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation to call Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer.”
Etape Caledonia: Organisers angered at unsafe actions of local protestors
At 0930hrs this morning the organisers, IMG, were alerted to a major safety incident on a section of the Etape Caledonia, an 81 mile closed road cycle event, that required the event to be held up in the middle of the course.
It is believed that local protestors scattered a large number of carpet tacks along significant sections of the course. The safety issue was highlighted by the lead group of cyclists experiencing punctures at a specific section at Innerhadden and Schiehallion, 43 miles into the route. Subsequently approximately one hundred of additional cyclists also received punctures as they approached the area.
As a result of safety concerns, primarily that cyclists could receive punctures in fast sections of the course and subsequently fall from their bikes at high speeds, the Organisers, in co-ordination with the local police and council implemented immediate safety contingencies.
These contingencies included holding competitors mid course, resulting in a delay to the participants taking part in the event, while the roads were made as safe as possible. Once the Organisers were satisfied with the safety of the course the event was resumed. The competitors were in high spirits despite the interruption.
The Organisers are treating this matter very seriously and are working with the local police and local council to investigate matters further.
A spokesman for Tayside Police said:
''Tayside Police is carrying out enquiries after a number of competitors in the Etape Caledonia cycle event in Perthshire suffered punctured tyres earlier today (Sun. May 17).
In what were reckless and irresponsible actions, tacks were scattered on the roadway in the Aberfeldy area at some point this morning. This resulted in a number of the 3500-plus cyclists suffering punctured tyres and the temporary postponement of the race.
Uniform and detective officers are carrying out investigations in the area and are following a positive line of enquiry.
This annual event has been successfully held in one of the most attractive and picturesque areas of the UK for a number of years, with the Organisers working closely with Perth and Kinross Council, Tayside Police and the local community itself.
We would appeal to anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation to call Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer.”
Copyright Volpa Ltd. 2010
All Rights Reserved