The 3 Pistes Cycle Sportive is a relatively new time trial event running at the end of May each year and it looks a little bit brutal. Leaving from Pitlochry and finishing in Aviemore, the route takes cyclists 102 miles and 2690m of ascent through Highland Perthshire and the Cairngorms.

The mountainous route is so named because it takes in the three skiing areas of Glenshee, The Lecht and Cairngorm. Weather can be great in may for events such as this but this year snow was forecast for Braemar. Nasty! The photo above is of a few of the cyclists leaving Pitlochry. The mist obscuring Ben Vrackie in the distance giving the riders an idea of what was to come.

With 1000 riders competing this year, this event is an excellent addition to the Scottish cycling sportive calendar and, together with the Etape Caledonia, really helps to put Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire on the map for road cycling – pun intended.