This September East Ayrshire will host a major new cycling event as the first ever Marmotte Gran Fondo to be held outside mainland Europe comes to the UK.
Organised by Golazo Cycling and East Ayrshire Council the event will take place between 24 and 25 September.
The Marmotte Gran Fondo is a festival of cycling offering cyclists the unique opportunity to participate in an event on a size and scale of which is normally only ever seen in continental European sportive events.
The weekend will kick into action on Friday 23 September with Tour de Colour – a 4k running festival in Kilmarnock’s Kay Park where runners set out with a white t-shirt then run through a number of colour zones where they will literally transform themselves in a celebration of colour.
On Saturday 24 September a mass participation time trial will take place over fully closed roads, an event open to all abilities from elite riders to novice cyclists who want to experience what it is like to cycle like pro.
On Sunday 25 September cyclists will have a chance to participate in the Marmotte Gran Fondo over closed roads.
The 76 mile closed event offers something for everyone and in the great tradition of a Gran Fondo, the event is run as a race at the front with sporting and leisure riders behind as the route takes the riers through the stunning East Ayrshire countryside.
The Marmotte Ecosse Gran Fondo takes place on fully closed roads and due to the grandeur of the routes, scenery and parcours, has been awarded the prestigious Marmotte title and part of a unique group of the very best sportive cycling events with iconic status Gran Fondon Alpes, Sestiere and Pyrenees.
The Marmotte Ecosse is the brainchild of Golazo UK, the team behind one of the UK’s most successful cycle sportive events the Tour of Cambridgeshire.
Craig Burn Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling said: “We are delighted to see well organised, safe and accessible mass participation events come to Scotland, especially those with such a rich history and connection to the fantastic events we already see which are ran worldwide, and from the organiser of an existing highly regarded event.”
Tom Caldwell from Golazo cycling commented: “We are focussed on creating world class mass participation cycling events in the UK and are delighted to have joined forces with East Ayrshire Council to offer participants a chance to ride an event which is the first outside mainland Europe to be awarded the title “Marmotte”. In the true tradition of a Marmotte Gran Fondo the event will offer riders the chance to experience a classic European style sportive event delivered in Scotland. We were the first to bring a closed road mass participation Time Trial and closed road authentic Gran Fondo to UK riders participating in the Tour of Cambridgeshire, giving them the chance to qualify for the Amateur World Championships.
“We are committed to making The Marmotte Ecosse the pre-eminent cycling event in Scotland and delivering an exceptional experience for rider and the public. Whether you are elite racer, club rider, charity or leisure rider the event has something to offer you. The chance for everyday riders to enjoy the true pro experience.”
Provost Jim Todd said: “East Ayrshire Council is proud to be hosting the Marmotte Ecosse Gran Fondo cycling event this September.
“The Marmotte Ecosse Gran Fondo will be a remarkable event not only for East Ayrshire, but for Scotland as a whole, as we welcome cyclists from all over the world to experience our stunning scenery and rich heritage first hand.
“East Ayrshire is a land of rolling hills and inland beauty, stretching from the south of Glasgow towards the south-west coast of Scotland. Ours is the perfect landscape for cyclists to test their abilities as they explore the delights and challenges our countryside has to offer.”