Cyclists are gearing up to raise cash for the Archie Foundation in this year’s King of the Mountains challenge.
The Cairngorm-spanning race, which consists of a 100-mile, a 62-mile, and a 25-mile route, has nominated the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital cause as the official charity of this year’s race.
The routes, which go as far as Tomnavoulin north of Tomintoul and as high as 2,132ft on the second summit of the Lecht, will be tough for even the most hardened of cyclists.
But riders will enjoy stunning landscapes such as the Gairnshiel Pass and Lochnagar.
More than 1,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the King of the Mountains Sportive on Saturday May 16, which will start from and return to the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford.
The event will also feature a charity raffle of cycling gear to raise cash for the Archie Foundation.
Richard Lawes of Firetrail Events, who are organising the race, said: “We are delighted to be the new organisers of the King of the Mountains Sportive and hope to build upon the success of this local cycling event established by Deeside Thistle Cycling Club six years ago.
“New sponsorship from Chapeu Cycle Clothing and Knight Composite Wheels has ensured we have been able to take the event to the next level of experience for the riders, and this year’s event will feel quite different.
“Their generously donated charity raffle prizes will also provide a superb opportunity for riders to donate money to the Archie Foundation charity whilst being in with a chance to win £2,500 of top quality prizes from these well-respected cycling brands.”
Claire Bush, fundraising manager for the Archie Foundation, said: “The Archie Foundation will be at Alford to meet riders and friends, offering encouragement to all and some of our famous Archie flapjacks for nourishment and energy.
“We are delighted that Firetrail events have chosen to support the High 10 for Archie appeal to help Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital be a world class hospital, making a different for today and tomorrow’s sick children.”
To sign up for this year’s race on May 16, visit www.komsportive.co.uk