A RECORD number of cyclist signed up for the third Ayrshire Alps Sportive last month.

More than 320 rider took on a challenging route that started in Kirkmichael, crossing the hill roads to Barr and Straiton before returning to Kirkmichael. 

The first riders set off at 9:30am, on Sunday, August 27 and completed the 100km route by 3:30pm. A testing 60km circuit was also promoted, offering two short cuts on the main route. 

Both the 100km and 60km riders feature a number of categorised climbs, all at least 2km long including Nic O Balloch and Tairlaw.

The event was organised by local development group Ayr Burners Cycling QTS, who promote the Ayrshire Alps Cycle Park project.

To coincide with the event, the ‘Burners launched a new printed map of the Ayrshire Alps area, featuring 16 categorised climbs across the Carrick area, all within a 20 mile radius. 

Ayr Advertiser:

The Ayrshire Alps project has received significant exposure in recent months, with a features in the national press over recent months. 

The Ayrshire Alps Sportive is aimed at promoting Ayrshire as a cycling destination, and has grown steadily since 90 riders took on the first edition in 2015.

Having sold out in 2016 all spaces in the 2017 event went so fast that a second wave was released, selling out in 48hours. 

Alongside many local riders taking on the challenge, participants travelled from all across Britain and even as far as the Czech Republic.

Volunteers from Ayr Burners Cycling will be busy across the weekend, supported by team leader Gavin McKellar who said: “I’m really looking forward to being part of the event. Between Ayr Burners’ annual Doonbank Trofee Cyclocross, public family sessions and the Ayrshire Alps Sportive we host more than 1,000 people a year. 

“All the team are excited to welcome people from all over Britain to the Carrick area for a great day of cycling.”

For the unlucky riders who did not secure a space in 2017 there is still the chance to ride the route all year.