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The Étape Caledonia, the only UK sportive to enjoy closed roads, was sabotaged at the weekend when carpet tacks spread across the roads caused widespread punctures.
Over 3,500 took part in the 81mile event in Pitlochry, Scotland, which had to be suspended for several hours after carpet tacks over some of the roads used caused major disruption.
Many cyclists suffered punctures, with reportedly several hundred affected. The event was halted to allow the organiser’s time to clear the roads of the tacks and the sportive was able to get going again.
Tayside Police are now investigating the incidents, who have described it as ‘reckless act and it was fortunate no-one was hurt.’
The organisers report: “It is believed that local protestors scattered a large number of carpet tacks along significant sections of the course. The safety issue was highlighted by the lead group of cyclists experiencing punctures at a specific section at Innerhadden and Schiehallion, 43 miles into the route. Subsequently hundreds of additional cyclists also received punctures as they approached the area.”
“As a result of safety concerns, primarily that cyclists could receive punctures in fast sections of the course and subsequently fall from their bikes at high speeds, IMG, in co-ordination with the local police and council implemented immediate safety contingencies.”
“We are now going through the results to make as much sense as possible of the delays. These will be sent out as soon as possible. We will be sending more information to all competitors on Monday 18th May.”
