Where does the event start/finish?
The event starts and finishes in Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire. The event starts on Atholl Road, just up from Station Road Junction and finishes at the police station entrance. The route will take in Lochs Tummel and Rannoch in the areas of Aberfeldy, Kinloch Rannoch, Glengoulandie, Camserney, Atholl and Breadalbane.
What are the age restrictions for competing?
The minimum age of entry for the event is 18 years old for the 85 Mile distance and 17 years old for the 40 Mile distance as of 31 December 2023.
Can I take part with a friend?
You can choose to take part with others in the same wave providing you and anyone who wants to ride together have both entered in the same team through the entry process, and put the same estimated finish time. Our fulfilment company will match your details and place you in the same wave.
Can I turn up on the day and ride the route?
The event is restricted to those who have entered the event in advance and we do not accept entry on the day. Roads are officially closed and prohibit all vehicular traffic including cyclists not participating in the Etape Caledonia and bearing event accreditation. The route is marshalled and cyclists without official event accreditation will be refused entry on to the route.
How will the starts be organised?
The first wave will set off around 06:30am. When you book your place, you will be asked to provide an estimated time of how long you think it will take you to finish the ride. Please pick an appropriate and accurate time frame. The earlier starts will be reserved for entrants who can demonstrate their cycling ability through results in a select number of cycle events. Any competitor who has not participated in cycling events before will be placed in a general category.
Do I need to bring anything with me on event day?
You will need to make sure that you bring your bike, helmet, rider number, timing chip (which will need to be collected during registration) and, we strongly recommend that you check the weather forecast and bring the appropriate clothing. Along with this be sure to bring energy supplies to get you through the course.
You may also find it useful to bring something to attach your rider numbers with, for example: safety pins or a race belt.
Why is there a cut off time?
In order to secure the support of local residents and businesses, we must ensure that roads are re-opened at pre-agreed times. An average of 13mph is the slowest possible speed cyclists can travel at to be within this road re-opening schedule. It is felt that this is a reasonable period to allow cyclists to complete the course. After the cut off time, cyclists will be allowed to continue on the route but will have to obey normal traffic regulations and negotiate the traffic that will then be on the road.
Participants who choose to continue will be outside of the event support infrastructure. A sweep vehicle will be available to collect participants who choose not to complete the full course.
Can I listen to music or wear headphones whilst racing?
Unfortunately, we do not allow participants to race with headphones in. The safety of our participants is paramount and through wearing headphones you will be less likely to hear other competitors or marshals, which could become a hazard on route. By not wearing headphones you will also be able to enjoy the experience more and soak up the encouragement from spectators. If you are seen to be wearing headphones on race day you will be kindly asked to remove them and if caught with them during the race you will be disqualified. Furthermore, no mobile phones or MP3 players are allowed to be used in transition or while you are racing.
When will I find out my start time?
Start times and wave allocations can be found on our official website two weeks prior to the event.
Can I change my wave allocation and my start time?
Once wave allocations have been made it is not possible to change your start time .
How do I get my Etape Caledonia rider pack?
Race Pack Delivery:
You can purchase rider pack delivery upon registration, in which case your race pack will be posted to you in the 2 weeks prior to the event. Your address must be up to date on your registration 4 weeks before the event in order for these to be sent to the correct place as we will not be able to re-send. If you need to update your address, please get in touch via hello@etapecaledonia.com
Race Pack Collection:
If you did not pay for race pack postage when registering, you will need to collect your race pack from the collection point in the event Village on the Saturday prior the event. Details about collection times will be shared shortly before the event.
What do I need to do with the items in my rider pack?
The number goes on your back for the cycle. This can be attached with safety pins, however, it is recommended to use a race belt. You simply attach your number to the race belt and then put the clip it around your midriff. It can then be moved to show the number on your back for the bike and on the front for the run.
The bike number stickers are placed on the front of the bike and the top of your helmet which serves two purposes.
- To ensure you are taking the correct bike out of transition
- You can be identified on our official photos which you may wish to purchase
Your wristband needs to worn to get you in and out of transition. Without this you cannot gain access to this area .
You will also be given a reusable timing chip that must be worn on your left ankle. These must be returned post event in the buckets at the finish line, there will be staff on hand to assist you in removing your timing chip. Any unreturned chips will be charged to the participant at £25 per chip. For team relay participants, the timing chip acts as a baton and must be passed between relay members throughout the race.
What do I do with my timing chip?
In order for us to record your finish time correctly you will need to attach your rider number, which has the timing chip attached to it, to the handlebars of your bike for the duration of the event. The timing chips are disposable so you can take them away with you after the event. Visit the Help Desk in the Event Village for assistance or to see diagrams of where to put your timing chip.
Will there be water/food on the course?
There will be water and feed stations available throughout the course. Energy products and bananas will be available at feed stations, along with a limited supply of high-energy snacks. Within the event village, participants will have the opportunity to purchase additional food and drink. Riders are expected to bring their own for the start.
What sort of bike can I use?
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.
Etape Caledonia 2023 – Permitted Bicycles:
E-bikes are permitted but riders won’t qualify for any of the 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.
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.
Can I hire a bike for the event?
Cycle Hire Scotland can take away the hassle of bringing your own bike. They can offer both hybrids and road bikes from a range of quality brands, in a variety of sizes.
Book online today, then all you need to do is turn up at registration, ride the event and hand the bike back.
For full details go to https://www.cyclehirescotland.co.uk/book or email cyclehirescotland@gmail.com
Do both tandem riders need to be registered for the event?
We are happy for tandem riders to take part but each person must register as an individual rider. This means that each rider will receive a chip and rider number for health and safety reasons. This will however result in your times showing up as individuals and not a team.
What handlebars can I have on my bike?
You are not permitted to have unconventional handlebars including triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, Spinaci bars and cow bars. However, MTB bar ends are permitted on mountain bikes.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Consistent with all world class sportives, participants must wear protective headgear which must be of a hard/soft construction and conform to a recognised standard such as EN1078, ANSI Z90.4, SNELL B90 or equivalent national standard. Participants are responsible for carefully selecting the correct headgear, ensuring it is in good condition and is fitted correctly. Please note: The British Kite Mark is not sufficient.
How much of the entry fee goes to the Charity Partners?
Entry fees enable Etape Caledonia to take place and pay for all the administrative and operational costs necessary to stage the event. Although none of the general entry fee goes directly to the charity partners, we reserve a significant number of discounted entries for charity riders, which in turn gives riders a platform to raise funds for the charity. This is common practice with charities across mass participation events.
What time do I need to arrive?
In order to be ready for your race we recommend that you arrive 90 minutes before the start of your wave. You then need to be in your start pen 20 minutes before your wave is due to start, this is to ensure you have partaken in our safety briefing and we do not need to delay the start.
Is there parking available?
Limited car parking is available a couple of hundred metres from the start/finish line and can be purchased during the registration process. Please note that parking is available on a first come, first served basis. Parking will be available in Pitlochry on Saturday and Sunday of event weekend providing there are still spaces. As it is extremely popular, we urge you to book in advance to avoid disappointment. If you do choose to pay on the day, please make sure you have the correct change to do so. We highly advise you arrive as early as possible to avoid queuing.
Road closures and parking suspensions occur in Pitlochry and surrounding areas as a result of the event taking place. Please note, Police and Traffic Wardens will patrol the parking suspensions throughout the event and vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed. If participants intend to drive to the event they must park in the event car park, clearly signposted when you arrive in Pitlochry.
Where can I dispose of my rubbish?
There will be clearly signed ‘Litter Zones’ at a number of locations around the route where cyclists can dispose of any rubbish while on the move. Those seen littering outside of these zones will have their timing chip removed and will be disqualified from the event.
Why am I being redirected to LET'S DO THIS when entering the London Triathlon?
LimeLight Sports Club has partnered with 'Let’s Do This' to take on the Etape Caledonia entries for 2023.
When you enter the Etape Caledonia, your entry information and payment is processed by 'Let’s Do This' and passed securely to LimeLight Sports Club. Your bank statement will show 'Let’s Do This' against your event entry, and you will receive a booking confirmation email from 'Let’s Do This'. Once you are entered, all event communication will come from LimeLight Sports Club and the Etape Caledonia team.
How can I check if I’m registered?
You can check you've registered for any of our 7 Original events through our Limelight Sports Club website after being redirected to our booking partner Let's Do This. Our 7 Original events are; London Triathlon, Blenheim Palace Triathlon, London Duathlon, Etape Caledonia, Hackney Half, ASICS London 10K and Oxford Half.
When you completed your registration and purchased your entry you should have received a confirmation email from us containing all the details of your event booking including your booking reference.
How do I edit my registration details?
Editing your registration details, including predicted finish time, and address is easy, for now please just reach out to Let's Do This at support@letsdothis.com and they will be able to update your information.
My desired race category is not available, what can I do?
Each race category has a specific number of places and if this is full it will display ‘Sold Out’. Alternatively, if you cannot find the desired race category on the entry form please contact our customer service team who will be able to assist you; hello@etapecaledonia.com
I am entered into the 2023 event but would now like to change the distance I am competing in. Is this possible?
Yes, you are able to do this. Please email hello@etapecaledonia.com with your request and we will assist you further. Please note: you will only be able to transfer into challenges with available places.
Can I defer my entry or get a refund if I am no longer able to attend the event?
The entry fee to the Etape Caledonia is non-refundable and cannot be deferred to a future year or transferred to another person.
If you are unable to participate in the event for any reason, you will not receive a refund of the event fee, any booking fee, and/or any other costs you have incurred in connection with your entry into the Event.
Low-cost insurance policies are available that protect event participants in the event that they have to withdraw from the event due to injury, illness or other reasons depending upon the insurance policy in question. Where possible we will provide a link to an insurance option of this type during the registration process, but we do not do so as any form of recommendation of the specific policy, other than to recommend that participants provide themselves with adequate insurance.
For further information on this please read the full entry Terms & Conditions here.
I am an LSC member who has signed up, but I am now unable to make the date – what are my options?
If you can’t make the date, please get in touch with our Customer Experience team via members@limelightsports.club.
Please note you must let us know you are unable to attend you must let us know a minimum of 1 month before the event date if you would like a refund and 1 week before the event if you would like to defer your place or transfer it to another LSC Member.
I have a general entry place, can I still run for a charity?
Yes, you're free to raise funds for whichever charity you like. If you don't have a charity in mind, you can find our supporting charities on our Etape Caledonia page here.
How do I participate in the Etape Caledonia for a charity?
You can find all Etape Caledonia charity partners on our Etape Caledonia charities page of the website. Contact the charity of your choice and let them know you'd like to participate for them!
We recommend setting up a JustGiving page to assist with marketing and securing your funds.
I am a charity looking to purchase places in the Etape Caledonia, how do I do this?
To register your Charity to buy places in the 2023 Etape Caledonia, please click here. You will need to register a new account for 2023. To start, please specify if you would like to pay for your places by credit/debit card or invoice.
If you opt to pay for your places via invoice: you will be issued an invoice within 4 working days. Following payment, your event places will be reserved immediately.
Once your places have been confirmed as paid, you will be sent a link to access your event dashboard to invite your fundraisers to register for the event.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at charities@limelightsports.club.
Road Closures
Etape Caledonia is going to close all access roads onto the route in advance of the first cyclists, using cones, barriers and traffic management personnel. This will be supplemented by motor cycle marshals and will comply with current legislation regarding cycling on the highway. This will create a traffic free environment for the entire event, subject to participants being able to maintain the minimum average speed of 13mph. This is NOT what is called a rolling road closure where motorcycles travel ahead of the event and stop traffic that is already on the route for a short period of time to allow participants past. Given the length of the closure this would be impractical and inconvenient for road users. If you are a local resident with further queries relating to specific closures, please contact our Customer Experience team on hello@etapecaledonia.com.
Click here to see the 2023 Road Closures.
How do I volunteer?
If you’d like to volunteer and be #partofthecrew please contact: volunteers@limelightsports.com
We couldn’t do our events without our incredible volunteers. Working at the Etape Caledonia is an incredible opportunity and an amazing weekend of sport.
What happens if I feel unwell whilst cycling?
See your GP if you have a problem or worry that might make it a risk for you to take part in the event. If you have any known medical conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, allergy to penicillin, etc) inform us prior to the event by entering it in the box provided on the online application.
In addition, please write all medical details on the back of your event number. Whether you have a medical condition or not, if you feel unwell on the event day – don’t take part. If you have flu, a feverish cold or a tummy bug, do not train until you have fully recovered. Then start gently and build up gradually. Do not attempt to catch up on lost mileage after illness or injury – this may cause further damage or illness.
Who do I contact for lost property?
Please contact the event organisers via email, hello@etapecaledonia.com, with a full description of the missing item and we will do our best to reunite you with the item.
How do I buy a photograph of myself crossing the finishing line?
Marathon Photos are our official photographer for the event. Please go directly to their website to retrieve your photos and further information.
How can I find out my finish time?
Provisional results will be available via the tracking link on our website and if you have inputted a British mobile number, they will be texted to you. They will also be emailed to you post event.
You have got my age group wrong?
Your age group is based upon the date of birth that you entered. Note that your age group is determined by your age at 31 December of the race year and not your age on race day.
Is there a cancellation/waiting list?
Please note that we don’t operate a reserve/cancellation list as we already take into account the usual drop-out rate prior to the event.
I am not receiving any email communication about my entry?
There may be several reasons for this. Firstly, please ensure that you are entered correctly into the event by following the instructions outlined above. Secondly, emails can often get directed straight into junk/spam folders or get rejected by email servers altogether. Please ensure that you check those filters and additionally add ‘hello@etapecaledonia.com’ to your safe senders list.
If you have unsubscribed from our mailing list and would like to resubscribe, please click here.
What else is there to do in Pitlochry over the event weekend?
Pitlochry Town Hall and Out of the Park Events is hosting Nik Kershaw and band for an intimate live gig on Friday 12 May 2023.
For more information and tickets, please see here.