Launch of the Graeme Obree Classic Sportive

Posted on: 6th July 2011

Article & Images by: Charlie Milarvie

On Sunday 31st of July the inaugural Graeme Obree Classic Sportive will set off from Auchincruive College with the opportunity for participating cyclists to experience some of the best, most cycling friendly roads in Scotland.

The sportive will have three ride options:
• Free to enter 10 mile family ride
The leisurely 10 mile family run routed mostly on cycling tracks/paths travelling into Ayr centre, down onto the seafront and back. A brilliant opportunity to bring out the kids and let them experience an organised cycle event in safe surroundings

• 45 mile intermediate ride (Entry fee £35.00)
Starting at Auchincruive the route heads south then south east before routing back to Auchincruive. To include a first - a women's only cycling group led by multiple World Champion and World Record Holder Yvonne McGregor

45 Mile intermediate route: http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_1243737.html

• 66 mile endurance ride (Entry fee £35.00)
Starting at Auchincruive this route will challenge the strongest riders with 66 miles of energy sapping roads heading south and south east, crossing the famous Nick o the Balloch climb before switching back up via Straiton and Dalmellington to return to Auchincruive for the finish. The Flying Scotsman himself, Graeme Obree, will lead this ride across many of the roads he trained on as a youngster. The course has 3750 feet of climbing and some very technical descents and traverses amidst magnificent scenery across the moorlands, high above Ayrshire.

66 Mile endurance route: http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_1237492.html

Entry is available online only at Entry Central:

http://www.entrycentral.com/index.php?raceID=101111

Information on accommodation is available from the South Ayrshire Council web site:

http://www.golfsouthayrshire.com/accommodation/

Commenting on the Sportive Graeme Obree said
"This will be the first year of, what we anticipate will become, an annual event and a celebration of cycling. The Headquarters will be at Auchincruive College just east of Ayr which allows direct access to some of Scotland's finest cycling roads and most beautiful scenery. A landscape that inspired The Bard, Rabbie Burns, to commit to poem his feelings and me to take up cycling as a youngster. I love these roads, many of which were a feature part of the old Girvan Three Day International Event. The inclusion of the family ride is great and I would be thrilled to see lots of families join us for the family ride on the day. I am honoured that cycling legend Yvonne McGregor is prepared to lend a hand too. Yvonne's record puts most others to shame, she was and is a sparkling talent and is still a great cyclist. I am also delighted that the local cycling community will be out in force helping to make sure the inaugural event is a great success. Special thanks are reserved for the officials at South Ayrshire Council who have been so supportive in bringing this event to life. South Ayrshire recognises the importance of cycling to the local community and we hope to create an event which will showcase the beauty of South Ayrshire and reinforce its credentials as a great outdoors venue."

Councillor Bill McIntosh, the Leader of South Ayrshire Council added his support for the Sportive:
"We are very enthusiastic about The Graeme Obree Classic Sportive, it will further raise the profile of cycling in South Ayrshire, and we are keen to work with the organisers to make this event a success. This cycling extravaganza will be attended by local people and visitors to the area, giving an important boost to our local economy. Just as Graeme Obree was inspired to take up cycling I truly believe that some champion cyclists of the future will have been inspired by this event. With stunning scenery and a great range of cycle paths South Ayrshire is a fun and safe place to cycle either to and from work, as a leisure pursuit or as a competitive sport. I would encourage people to take part in the event or go and watch which I know will be an outstanding event."

Yvonne McGregor added:
"This is an honour for me to make a contribution to Graeme's Sportive. He has been and is an inspirational figure to many and I hope to see lots of girls on the start line on 31st July"