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Gran Fondo cyclists pedal off from Perth

BBC Gran FondoBBC
More than 2,000 competitors are taking part in the Perthshire event

Thousands of cyclists are tackling the roads of Highland Perthshire as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Competitors are taking part in the 85km (52.8 miles) Medio Fondo and 160km (99.4 miles) Gran Fondo, which began at 10:00 and 10:50 BST respectively.

Both races began at Tay Street in Perth before finishing at Scone Palace.

The cyclists will pass through a number of locations, including Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, and Kirkmichael.

It is hoped the event will generate an estimated £2.7m to the local economy.

About 2,075 competitors are taking part.

Gran Fondo
More than 77% of the competitors come from outside the UK

As well as attracting competitors from all over the world, the Gran Fondo has also brought fans from far and wide, with Costa Rica flags and inflatable kangaroos at the start line.

Duncan Morrison, chairman of Perth United Cycling Club, was one of those who came down to see the riders set off.

The club had eight members competing in the race.

Mr Morrison said: "It's created a great buzz within the club, it's helped us increase our membership it's just created a lot more interest in cycling.

"It's been absolutely brilliant for us."

Duncan Morrison
Duncan Morrison said the event had been "absolutely brilliant"

The UCI Cycling World Championships began on Thursday and runs until 13 August.

The top 25% of riders from 27 qualifying events held around the world have been invited to compete in Scotland.

A Gran Fondo, or "Big Ride" in English, is a road race that must be at least 120km (75 miles) long.

Competitors are timed from start to finish with winners in a range of categories.

Organisers say the best time to see the Gran Fondo competitors in Aberfeldy and Pitlochry is between 11:30 and 15:30.

Perth and Kinross Council said there are a number of road closures and parking restrictions in place along the route throughout the day.

A spokesman said: "We understand the road closures may cause inconvenience for some businesses but we know many others are already enjoying a busy week with the Gran Fondo, Perth Show and Perth Salute all taking place in the city and other events in the area.

"The finish line for the Gran Fondo has also been moved from Perth to Scone Palace, which means the majority of road closures in Perth will only be in place for a few hours and disruption in the city centre kept to a minimum."

Gran Fondo
A number of road closures will be in place during the event

The Gran Fondo is one of 13 UCI World Championships brought together as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

It features male competitors aged between 19 and 59, and female racers aged between 19 and 49.

Qualified riders in the women over 50 and men over 60 categories will complete the Medio Fondo course.

The Gran Fondo individual time trial takes place in Dundee and Angus on Monday.