In Pictures: Cyclists return for long-distance Loch Ness race

Image source, Etape Loch Ness

Image caption, Competitors approach Urquhart Castle, on one of the most scenic spots along the 66-mile route

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New course records have been set during the first cycle sportive event to take place in Scotland since the easing of Covid restrictions.

The 66-mile Etape Loch Ness was postponed three times since last April due to the pandemic.

But on Sunday new course records were set in both the men's and women's races.

Andy Cunningham, from Leeds, broke the male course record, completing the course in 2:42:57.

Image source, Airborne Lens

Image caption, An aerial shot of the race taken along the banks of Loch Ness

Image source, Etape Loch Ness

Image caption, A lone piper provides some motivation for the cyclists

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Image source, Airborne Lens

Image caption, A sell-out 4,300 cyclists signed up for the event

Catriona Lockie, from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, broke the female course record, completing it in 2:54:59.

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Both also took the male and female King of the Mountain titles for a section of the course, near Fort Augustus, which consists of a 4.8 mile (9km) climb to the top of the Glendoe summit.

Organisers said 4,300 cyclists signed up for the sell-out challenge.

Malcolm Sutherland, event director, congratulated everyone who took part in the event, which raised more than 拢50,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Image source, Etape Loch Ness

Image caption, The race was postponed three times since last April due to the Covid pandemic

Image source, Etape Loch Ness

Image caption, Competitors cycle through Inverness with the city's castle in the background

Image source, Etape Loch Ness

Image caption, Andy Cunningham crossing the finish line

Image source, Etape Loch Ness

Image caption, Race winners Catriona Lockie and Andy Cunningham

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