Etape 2019

It was still darkish when I left home at 5.45 am. Within thirty seconds I spotted the first groups of cyclists. There were no cars around and it was remarkably peaceful. The weather was perfect: no wind, fresh, but by no means chilly. 

The closer to the starting point the more remarkable was the crowd of bikers of all shapes and ages tightly covered in bibs and jerseys. You could feel the buzz growing with every minute. We finally started and it was as if you had an engine hidden inside your frame: cycling never felt so easy! 

On one of the first upward sections, I got a tap on my shoulder- it was a fellow GP trainee Alan, who belongs to the same GP day release group. We stayed together through most of the race including the sweaty 380 metres climb marked in a true Highland fashion by a remarkable piper, who blows for hours letting the approaching cyclist know that the relief is almost there. 

The views were spectacular and I was most impressed to see the length of Loch Ness from Fort Augustus with the sun still sitting low over the horizon. The return to Inverness felt like flying with a supportive tailwind and crowds cheering in every village. 106 km loop done! Past the finish line, we bumped into Rod- our group facilitator and you can see all the three of us in the photo.

The 2019 Etape Loch Ness was my first ever cycle race. I have been commuting to work on two wheels for many years, but started proper road cycling only during the GP training in the North of Scotland. You cannot beat the local routes on beauty and diversity and there is something on offer for everyone. Maybe most importantly the local motorists are really used to cyclists and I believe we treat each other with respect.

Come and join us and register for the Etape Loch Ness 2020- you will not regret it! 

Dr Krysztof Pater, GPST2, Caledonian Programme