East Ayrshire Provost Jim Todd welcomed representative from cycling’s world governing body, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Scottish Cycling and Action Medical Research to the Burns Monument Centre in Kilmarnock on Monday 5th December 2016, to officially launch the Tour of Ayrshire (ToA) including Marmotte Ecosse cycling event.
This is the first time a Marmotte event has been held outside mainland Europe. The Tour of Ayrshire including Marmotte Ecosse is a prestigious festival event which will take place over closed roads and it is expected to attract around 6000 cyclists of all abilities.
The Tour of Ayrshire is one of 19 events worldwide, that make up the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, where riders can qualify to compete for their country at the The Gran Fondo UCI World Championships, in Albi, France during August 2017.
Erwin Vervecken (Co-ordinator UCI Gran Fondo World Masters Series (Triple World Cyclo Cross champion) said:
“This event is a welcome addition to the UCI Gran Fondo World Series and is I believe a first for Scotland with the opportunity for riders to experience a European style mass participation event with categories for all standards of riders. It is a beautiful circuit and the local roads will provide a real challenge for even the best riders.”
The Tour of Ayrshire comprises of a Time Trial (20km), Team Time Trial (20km) and a Gran Fondo (113km), the Marmotte Ècosse and will take place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April 2017.
The event is being organised by cycling specialists Golazo Cycling, supported by East Ayrshire Council and Ayrshire Roads Alliance. The organisers of this event have successfully brought together local, national and international partners in the form of local charity Braveheart Cycling Fund, Marmotte (major European cycling brand), Scottish Cycling and the worldwide governing body of cycling, the UCI.
Provost Todd said:
“This is great news for East Ayrshire - hosting a World Championship Event in the area. The Tour of Ayrshire will be the first genuine European style Gran Fondo in Scotland, giving cyclists and spectators the chance to experience something unique.
“Earlier this year we had the chance to show the world what our area can offer cyclists when we hosted the opening stage of the 2016 Tour of Britain. And the Tour of Ayrshire will help us enhance our reputation further as a respected cycling destination. This will be a remarkable event not only for East Ayrshire, but for Scotland as we welcome cyclists from all over the world to experience our stunning scenery and rich heritage first hand."
Kathy Gilchrist (Scottish Cycling Chair) said:
“Scottish Cycling are delighted that the Tour of Ayrshire will be taking place next year and want to thank EAC and Golazo for making it happen.
Scottish Cycling work hard to get people on bikes and mass participation events are key to making this happen. What is extra special about this event is the opportunity for Scottish athletes to gain key points towards World titles in the Gran Fondo series; mixing participation and inspiration in one event.
The format means that everyone can get involved, whether they are competitive or not. Scottish Cycling membership continues to grow significantly and our offer widens to not only racers, but those who cycle for leisure and those who are just general fans of the sport.
Scottish Cycling are keen to explore the format of this event and find out the demand for it, it will also hopefully attract foreign visitors to Scotland and showcase the great roads we have.
Our volunteers and clubs in the South West, and around the rest of the country, will be keen to get involved and showcase the great work that they do for cycling in Scotland.”
