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RIDER GUIDE

The countdown to Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia 2026 is well underway, and we’re excited to welcome you to Highland Perthshire for the UK’s original closed-road sportive on Sunday 10 May.  

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CALEDONIA AWAITS

This Rider Guide contains everything you need to know to prepare for event weekend. Please take a few minutes to read through the information carefully to help ensure a smooth, safe and memorable experience on the day. 
 
On behalf of the Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia team, we wish you the very best for the final stages of your training and look forward to seeing you in the Highlands. 

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KEY EVENT INFORMATION

KEY INFORMATION

Event:

Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia 2026

Date:

Sunday 10 May 2026

Location:

Pitlochry, Perthshire

Start Line:

Atholl Road, Pitlochry (PH16 5BX)

Event Village:

Atholl Road Car Park, Pitlochry

ROUTE OPTIONS

Participants can choose from three distance options: 

All routes start and finish in Pitlochry and share sections of the course before splitting at designated points along the route.  All routes can be found below. 

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  • Riders will start in pen groups based on the estimated finish time provided during registration. Each rider will be assigned a start pen, indicated by the letter printed on their rider bib and bike board. 

    The first wave will begin at 06:30, with subsequent waves released at intervals. 

    Participants should make their way to their allocated start pen approximately 30 minutes before their scheduled start time.

  • If you opted to have your pack posted to you, this can arrive up until Friday 8 May. If it doesn’t arrive, or there are any issues with your pack, you can pick up a replacement from the Event Village.

    Riders who opted for pack collection must collect their rider pack on Saturday 9 May between 10:00–18:00 at the Event Village. Full details can be found in the Your Rider Pack section below.

  • Official event parking is available at Pitlochry Recreation Ground (PH16 5DD) and must be booked in advance here. Parking is limited. We recommend car sharing or cycling to the start line to help us avoid traffic build up on event morning.

    Full instructions can be found in the Getting to Pitlochry section below. 

  • Rider pack collection:

    Saturday 10:00 – 18:00

    Event village opens:

    Sunday 05:00

    First wave start:

    Sunday 06:30

    Final wave start:

    Sunday 06:40

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EVENT MORNING CHECKLIST

Before leaving for the start, please make sure you have everything you need for the ride. 

ESSENTIALS

  • Rider bib attached to the back of your jersey

  • Bike board securely attached to your handlebars

  • Helmet correctly fitted and in good condition

  • Water bottles filled

  • SAP Natural Energy Gels

  • Suitable clothing for Highland weather conditions - be prepared for wet, hot and cold temperatures

EQUIPMENT

  • Spare inner tube 

  • Pump 

  • Tyre levers 

  • Multi-tool 

EVENT PREPARATION

  • Arrive at the Event Village in good time 

  • Know your start pen and wave time 

  • Make your way to your start pen 30 minutes before your start time

  • Follow signage and instructions from event staff and marshals 

TRAVEL & PARKING

  • Parking permit displayed if using event parking 

  • Allow extra time for road closures and event traffic 

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PRE-EVENT PREPARATION

Before leaving for the start, please make sure you have everything you need for the ride. 

  • You have been allocated a wave based on the estimated finishing time that you provided during registration. You will have a letter on your rider bib and bike board; this is your allocated start pen. Please follow signage to this pen 30 minutes before the estimated start time for your pen.

    The estimated start times for the waves are: 

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    PLEASE NOTE: Your start pen will be clearly signed and there will be marshals on hand to help with directions. Participants that have registered for the 85-mile route but decide to shorten their ride on the day will not be able to access the 55 mile or 40-mile route from Pen A-C until the lead 55 mile or 40-mile rider arrives at the route split. If you do decide to shorten your ride you will be held at the route split.

    Your rider pack contains all the essential items for your ride. Please take the time to go through it all carefully.

  • Rider Bib Number

    Please attach this to the back of your jersey. The bibs for each distance are as follows:
     

    • 85-Mile bib - light blue.

    • 55-Mile bib - dark blue.

    • 40-Mile bib - red.

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    Your bib number also has space for emergency contact details on the reverse. Please ensure you complete this as it will be the primary source of emergency contact details should they be needed.

    Please place the bib number you receive in the middle of your back over your pockets (make sure not to pin them shut) and not higher up your back, as it will be harder to see when you are riding.

    Rider Bike Board + 2x Cable Ties

    Please attach this to the front handlebars. Please note, your bike number contains your timing chip so ensure this is attached as per the instructions.

    *Safety pins will not be sent out in posted packs, if you have safety pins at home, please bring these with you. We will have safety pins available at the Helpdesk in the Event Village.

    If any items are missing from your pack, please come to the information tent on Saturday (located in the event village).

  • Saturday 9 May 10:00 - 18:00

    Please be sure to bring your QR code and photo ID with you to pick up your event pack without this we cannot assign you a pack. You will be sent a unique QR code the week of the event which you will need to use to pick up your pack. 

     

    If you need to pick up someone else's pack, you must bring their QR code and photo ID.

     

    Please note, you will not be able to collect your event pack on Sunday morning.  

  • Your pack can arrive any time up until Friday 8 May, so please keep an eye out. Your pack will contain: a bib, bike number (this has the timing chip at the back, please do not bend!) and 2 cable ties. If you are missing any items in your pack, or you need safety pins for your bib, just come and say hello at the Help Desk in the Event Village. 

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TRAVEL

The start line is located on Pitlochry high street (PH16 5BX).

 

We strongly recommend that anyone living or staying close to the event cycles to the start, as parking in the area is extremely limited. The Event Village Map shows a clear path to the start pens from the car park.

Please refer to the Road Closures page here for detailed information on closures across event day

  • Any participants who are cycling down to the start line after 6:00 and are coming from Faskally Forest/Killiecrankie (North) direction must keep off the road and keep to the right of the road (as they are cycling). The first wave sets off at 06:30 and if you are cycling down to the start, you are likely to meet the mass starts coming the other way. 

  • If anyone is dropping off a participant, they MUST follow the participant drop off signage off the A9, down Foss Road to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. At the Festival Theatre building, participants can walk over the bridge to Ferry Road. Cars can re-join the A9 from Foss Road. Any participants dropped off in the event car park will not be able to get back out of the car park until after the start of the event. 

  • Parking is available to purchase via this link here (subject to availability). There will be NO parking available to purchase on event day, so please book in advance to avoid missing out. 

    If you have purchased parking online, your parking permit will be included in your rider pack. If you purchased parking after your Event Pack was posted, you can pick up a parking pass from the help desk in the event village. Please display this in your windscreen before arriving at the car park on Sunday morning so we can keep traffic moving. 

    The car park is at the Pitlochry Recreation Ground and will be clearly signed from the A9. The postcode is PH16 5DD. Parking in Pitlochry is very limited so we advise anyone driving to plan ahead. 

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EQUIPMENT & BIKE RULES

  • Bikes which are not of standard design must be approved by the organisers before the event. The organisers reserve the right to withdraw a participant from the event if their bike is considered, in the organiser’s opinion, to represent a danger to the cyclist or other participants.   

    Permitted Bicycles: 

    • E-bikes are permitted but riders won’t qualify for any of the timed challenges along the route.    

    • Single-speed (both fixed and freewheel) bicycles are allowed as long as they have suitable brakes.    

    • Mountain bikes are allowed, although it is advised to use slick tyres to conserve energy.  

    • Tandems are allowed; both riders must be registered for the event.    

    • Tricycles are permitted. 

    • Recumbent bicycles are allowed; however, riders will be required to have a head height safety flag attached to the bicycle.    

    If your bike has any additions or alterations, please reach out to the event organisers before entering. 

    Please note that participants should ensure their bicycle is roadworthy and the event organisers reserve the right to challenge the safety/road worthiness of any bicycle they see at the event.  

  • The team at Cycle Hire Scotland have a range of bikes fit for all riders. You can book directly via their website. 

    Your bike will be ready for set up / test ride on Saturday 9 May in the event village from 13:00 onwards. 

    This is the time to get the bike ready for riding on Sunday 10, fit pedals and accessories and get things right for you. They will have mechanics to help set things up and to fit any parts required. 

    The bike will be left with them and stored securely overnight. The bikes will be available to collect from the event village on Sunday 10th morning from 05:00. 

  • We would strongly suggest you always carry spare of the following: tube, pump, tyre levers, multi tool. 

     

    • Please ensure your bike is in full working order. Event staff will be doing spot checks at the start and at feed stations. We reserve the right to disqualify riders if it is deemed that the condition of their bike could pose a risk to themselves or others.

     

    • There are a limited number of cycling shops within the local area so please be aware that a shop may not be able to fit you in due to high demand around the event weekend. We have Cycle Hire Scotland who will be based in the event village and at all feed stations completing bike checks and selling some items if you need.

     

    • If you have the space, we strongly recommend you come prepared with clothes for all weather. There is still the potential for snow in the Highlands in May! The more options you pack and bring the more prepared you will be.

     

    • Approved cycle helmets must be worn at all times while riding, if you cannot wear a helmet for religious or other reasons, please reach out to the event organisers in advance of the event.

     

    • Please ensure your helmet is in good condition (no bashes, scrapes or dents) and that it is correctly fitted. Your helmet should sit securely on your head without moving or wobbling. If it does, you may need to adjust the fit using the internal sizing system or check that the helmet is the correct size. If it does, you need to get the straps adjusted. It could save your life, so it is important to fit it correctly.

     

    • There will be energy products and fresh food available at the feed stations.

     

    • There will be water points at feed stations and in the village, so please bring water bottles with you to fill up. There will be no plastic cups at the feed stations.

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    • SAP Good Energy gels will be available at Carie, Loch Rannoch South Side Feed Station & Weem Feed Station.

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EVENT VILLAGE

The Event Village is located at Atholl Road Car Park in Pitlochry, close to the start and finish line. 

This will be the main hub of activity across the event weekend and is where riders can collect their packs, access event facilities and get support from the event team. 

  • Saturday, 9 May:

    10:00 – 18:00

    Sunday, 10 May:

    From 05:00

  • The Event Village will include:
     

    • Rider Pack Collection 

    • Help Desk / Information Point 

    • Cycle Hire Scotland bike hire and mechanical support 

    • Food and drink vendors 

    • Toilets 

    • Cancer Research UK and Event Partners 

    • Bag drop is not available for this event. 


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    If you have any questions across the weekend, please visit the Help Desk, where a member of the event team will be able to assist you. 

  • The team from Cycle Hire Scotland will be based in the Event Village throughout the weekend and will be available to assist with minor bike adjustments or mechanical issues before the ride. 

    Mechanical support will also be available at the feed stations on the route. 

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EVENT DAY INFO

  • The start line is located on Atholl Road in Pitlochry (PH16 5BX). Please allow plenty of time to arrive, prepare your bike and make your way to your start pen before your estimated start time. 

  • Before leaving the Event Village, please ensure: 


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    • Your bike board is securely attached to your handlebars with the cable ties provided 

    • Your rider bib is clearly visible on your back 

    • Your helmet is securely fitted 

    • Your water bottles are filled and you have everything you need for the ride 

    • Toilets will be available in the Event Village close to the start pens 


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    Please note that once you enter the start pens, it may be difficult to leave again. 

  • Your start pen is indicated by the letter printed on your rider bib and bike board.

    Please make your way to your allocated pen approximately 30 minutes before your estimated start time and follow the signage and instructions from event marshals.

    For safety and fairness, riders must start in their assigned start pen. Riders who start in the wrong pen may be asked to move.

  • Waves will be released at intervals beginning from 06:30. 



    When your pen is called forward, please follow the instructions of the start marshals and move steadily towards the start line. 

    Once you cross the start line, your timing chip will activate automatically. 



    Please take extra care during the first few kilometres of the route while riders settle into position. 

    • Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia is held on fully closed roads. This is a unique experience and makes the challenge of completing the course or going for a personal best even more pleasurable and exciting. Riders should however always exercise a level of caution while on the route, as there could be incidents that have taken place further along the route that require you to slow down or stop. There could be a rider with a puncture or an official motorbike dealing with an incident around any blind corner, so please ride accordingly with this in mind. 


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    • When riding in a group, please work with your fellow riders to highlight any obstacles on the route. This could include pointing out potholes or a dropped water bottle to those riders behind you. 


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    • Please be aware of those around you as you approach the finish line, and once you have crossed the finish line make your way along the finish chute. Avoid stopping and waiting for friends as this can cause congestion and can be a hazard for those finishing behind you. 


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    • Route signage will be positioned around the circuit. We would ask though that if you are in a group, it is always advisable to communicate to those around you that the course is going left or right, just in case someone has missed the sign. It is a simple and effective way of avoiding minor bumps when riding in a group. 


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    • There will be mechanical support at the four feed stations around the route. 

  • If you are unable to continue your ride, please inform a marshal or staff member. A sweep vehicle will follow the route and can assist riders who cannot continue. 



    Please do not leave the route without informing event staff. 

  • The Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia route is not to be undertaken light-heartedly.

    Challenges include: 

    • Sharp downhill hairpin bend at mile 4.2 (all routes).

     

    • The descent at Trinafour after mile 26.2 is fast and twisting (55-Mile, 85-Mile).

     

    • The descent after feed station 3 (Glengoulandie Campsite) is fast and ALL riders should be aware of the route split at the bottom of the descent. You will see signs saying “get in lane” and all riders are asked to respect this (all routes).

     

    • At mile 79.35 (85-Mile), mile 49.57 (55-Mile), and mile 34.77 (40-Mile) there is a left hand turn onto an extremely steep climb. Please get in the right gear before the climb!

  • 85-Mile Cut-off Times

    • Tummel Bridge Route Split – Any rider arriving at the junction after 08:30 shall be diverted onto the 40-mile route. No riders shall continue the 85-mile route after this time.

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    • Riders must leave Feed station 1 (Kinloch Rannoch) by 09:05 or they will be diverted onto the 55-mile route.

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    • Riders must leave Feed station 3 (Glengoulandie Campsite) by 11:46 to be on time for the Fortingal loop closing at 11:56. After this time all riders will be diverted straight onto the 40 & 55-mile route.

    General Cut-Off Times

    It is essential that we reopen the roads on time to minimise inconvenience to local residents. For this reason, we will be running a pace car which will follow the route at a speed of 13mph. Any riders who cannot maintain this average speed across the course have the option to board the following sweep vehicle and return to the village or continue on their own, as the roads will be reopening directly behind the sweep chain.

    You must leave feed stations by the following times to keep ahead of the sweep bus:

    Kinloch Rannoch Feed Station: arrive by 09:00, leave by 09:05

    • 40-Mile: N/A 

    • 55-Mile: ~ 23.3 miles from the start 

    • 85-Mile: ~ 23.3 miles from the start 

    Carie, Loch Rannoch South Side Feed Station: arrive by 10:40, leave by 10:47 

    • 40-Mile: N/A 

    • 55-Mile: N/A 

    • 85-Mile: ~ 42.5 miles from the start 

    Glengoulandie Campsite Feed Station: arrive by 11:30, leave by 11:46 

    • 40-Mile: ~ 18.6 miles from the start 

    • 55-Mile: ~ 33.4 miles from the start 

    • 85-Mile: ~ 55.3 miles from the start 

    Weem Feed Station: arrive by 12:45, leave by 13:00 

    • 40-Mile: ~ 25.0 miles from the start 

    • 55-Mile: ~ 39.8 miles from the start 

    • 85-Mile: ~ 69.7 miles from the start

    Any riders who decide to continue to ride beyond this point will no longer be a part of the event, and will be riding on open roads at their own risk. You will need to hand in your rider number and timing chip. You will still be eligible for a medal in the Event Village.

  • There will be feed stations at multiple points along both routes where you will be able to refuel and refill your water bottles. 

    A mechanic will also be stationed at each feed station on the route. If you develop problems with your bike whilst on the ride, they will do their best to help you with fixing your bike and to keep you going. If this support requires replacement parts or spares, the mechanic will provide you with a price for the work. 

    Kinloch Rannoch Feed Station (55-Mile, 85-Mile) 

    • Fruit and flapjacks 

      
    Carie, Loch Rannoch South Side Feed Station 2 (85-Mile) 

    • Fruit and flapjacks 

    • Macaroni cheese pies from a local butcher 

    • Bacon rolls available for a donation to Pitlochry Scouts 

    • Potatoes 

    • Hot drinks 

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     Glengoulandie Campsite Feed Station (all routes) 

    •  Fruit and flapjacks 

    • Cakes available from the Glengoulandie Campsite 

    • Pork pies form a local butcher 


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     Weem Feed Station 4 (all routes) 

    •  Fruit and flapjacks 

    • Macaroni cheese pies from a local butcher 

    • Homemade cakes available for a donation to Aberfeldy Scouts 

  • You can upgrade your finishers’ medal with a personalised iTAB, engraved with your name and finishing time. This sleek plate fits neatly onto your medal ribbon, creating the perfect keepsake of your Highland adventure.

     

    To purchase an iTAB, access your booking here, select the 'Purchase or view add-ons' option, find 'iTAB' and complete check out.

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PARTICIPANT TRACKING

The Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia App will host participant tracking on event day, event information, maps and more. It can downloaded via the App Store or Google Play Store. 

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Participants may not show up in the tracking app until they have crossed the start line.

  • The finish line is located on Atholl Road in Pitlochry, where riders will be welcomed back after completing their chosen ride. 

    As you approach the finish line, please remain aware of riders around you and follow the instructions of the marshals. Once you have crossed the finish line, continue riding through the finish chute and follow the signage into the Event Village.

    Finisher Medal 
    All participants will receive a Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia finisher medal. Volunteers will be on hand in the finish area to present your medal as you leave the finish chute.

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    Refuel and Recover

    After finishing, riders are encouraged to take some time to refuel, rehydrate and relax in the Event Village and local establishments. Check out this blog post here for our recommended cafes along the route! Food vendors and refreshments will be available, and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate your achievement with friends, family and fellow riders. 

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    Results and Timing

    Your ride time will be recorded using the timing chip attached to your bike board. Results will be available shortly after you finish and will be published online following the event. You will receive a text to your official results. Please note, results in the app aren’t official, so please refer to the result in your text. 

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    Meeting Friends and Family 

    The Event Village is the ideal place to meet up with friends and family after your ride. Please avoid stopping in the finish chute or immediately beyond the finish line, as this can cause congestion for riders finishing behind you. 

  • If you require assistance after crossing the finish line, please speak to a member of the event team or visit the Help Desk located in the Event Village. 


    Medical Support 

    Medical teams will be present in the finish area to assist any riders who may require attention after completing the ride. If you are feeling unwell or need medical support, please alert a marshal or member of the medical team immediately. 


    Mechanical Support 
    If you experience any mechanical issues with your bike after finishing, the mechanics from Cycle Hire Scotland in the Event Village will be available to assist where possible. 


    Lost Property 

    Any lost property handed in during the event will be taken to the Information / Help Desk in the Event Village. If you believe you have lost an item during the ride, please check with the event team. 

  • Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia takes place in one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, and we ask all participants to help us protect it.

    Please dispose of any litter responsibly and use the bins provided at feed stations and within the Event Village. Do not discard food wrappers, bottles or other waste along the route, other than in designated areas. 
    Feed stations will provide water refill points, and riders are encouraged to bring reusable bottles. 

    We also encourage riders to consider sustainable travel options where possible, including car sharing or cycling to the start if you are staying locally. 

    By working together, we can help ensure the event continues to take place in this stunning part of the Highlands for many years to come. 

  • Cancer Research UK Étape Caledonia would not be possible without the support of the local communities that welcome us into Pitlochry and the surrounding areas each year.

     

    Many residents will experience road closures and increased activity throughout event weekend, so we kindly ask all participants and spectators to be respectful of the local community. 

    Please: 

    • Follow all parking instructions and only park in designated event parking areas 

    • Avoid blocking driveways or access roads 

    • Keep noise to a minimum in residential areas, particularly early in the morning 

    • Treat local residents, volunteers and businesses with courtesy and respect 


    A friendly wave or thank you goes a long way - the support from local communities is a big part of what makes this such a special event. 

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SPECTATOR INFORMATION

The best spots to cheer on your riders

Start & Finish (Pitlochry High Street, PH16 5BX)

Be part of the excitement right from the beginning! Watch riders take off at the start, then cheer them home as they cross the finish line

GARRY BRIDGE

A great spot to catch the action. Access from Blair Atholl (north only, roads from the south will be closed) 

KINLOCH RANNOCH

​One of the most scenic points on the route. Take a short stroll along the loch and watch your rider pass twice! 

Important: arrive before road closures as this area is remote and movement during the event isn’t possible 

AILEAN CREAGGAN HOTEL

​A fantastic viewing point with amazing Sunday roasts, booking is recommended if you want to make a day of it! 

Access from Aberfeldy (not Strathtay) 

LOGIERAIT HOTEL

​Great spot to watch the action from the A9/Ballinluig turn-off 

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VOLUNTEERING

Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers. If you have friends, family or local groups who would enjoy being part of the event atmosphere, we’d love them to join us.

From marshalling on the route to helping in the event village, volunteering is a fantastic way to be part of the day while supporting riders on their Highland adventure.

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