Organisers vow to return next year and continue well-established race across Highland Perthshire.
Hundreds of cyclists had their tyres burst during the 81-mile Etape Caledonia race in Perthshire on Sunday. A major charity event in central Scotland became the source of a potential death trap. Cyclist Vincent Pickering said: “At first I was very, very angry because it could be very dangerous. “If you come off a bike at 20mph or 24mph, because your wheels are punctured, you could do yourself with a very serious injury and it’s possible that someone could even be killed.” Tacks used in carpeting were found scattered across the road, sending many of the cyclists to the sidelines for tyre repairs. The organisers temporarily halted the event until the road could be cleared, allowing most of the participants to complete the race. It is no secret that the event has been plagued by protests in the past by campaigners who claim the closed route drives trade away and prevents people getting to church. But Peter Hounam, one of the main opponents, is clear that he had no knowledge of the plot and strongly condemns whoever was behind the act.
“We’re not in the business of trying to spoil the fun of the people taking part. We’re against the place being closed down for the day. We were against the council allowing this company from London to come up here and run a commercial event, making money out of our area and basically putting a lot of people out of business in the area and inconveniencing hundreds and hundreds of people.”