Almost 1000 cyclists set for Strathpuffer at Contin this weekend as 24 hour challenge returns
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ONE of the toughest cycling endurance races in Scotland is set to return for the first time in three years this weekend.
Strathpuffer 2023 returns on Saturday, with 950 cyclists set to tackle the 24 hour challenge at Brahan Estate at Contin Forest.
Cyclists are challenged to complete as many laps as possible of the 12.5km course between 10am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday.
Cyclists from across Scotland and further afield are set to arrive at the Ross-shire woodlands as they aim to conquer the epic challenge.
The event was last held in January 2020, two months before the pandemic forced a lockdown and its impact also resulted in the challenge being cancelled for the last two years.
Event organiser Linda Lawton says this year’s Strathpuffer has been three years in the making.
She says it is shaping up to be an event which will be remembered for years to come.
“We have 950 cyclists confirmed to be taking part in the event this weekend,” he said.
“The majority of cyclists competing are usually from Scotland, but in the past we have had some from the rest of the UK and a handful from further afield.
“The course, which was extended a few years ago, remains the same as it was in 2020.
“It is brilliant that we can stage the event as normal again and the feedback we have received is people are looking forward.
“For organisers, the excitement is just building up to the event again.
“It is a great event which always creates a great atmosphere so we are looking forward to it.”
Different categories will be held during the weekend, which include solos, pairs, quads and school teams of eight.
In 2020, Kyle Beattie from Aviemore was crowned male solo champion when he completed 25 laps in 23 hours 52 minutes and 27 seconds.
He beat Robbie Mitchell into second who completed the same amount of laps in 24:31:26.
Zara Mair won the women’s title completing 18 laps of the course in a time of 22:14:23.
She was one lap ahead of Natalie Munro who claimed silver in 23:50:14.
Invergordon Academy are the defending school champions after winning the eights title for the first time back in 2020.
Lawton says defending champions from past Strathpuffer competitions are set to take part again this year.
The prizegiving ceremony will be taking place at 11:30am on Sunday.
