The Marmotte Granfondo Series is set to visit the UK, with the launch of the Marmotte Gran Fondo Écosse, a brand-new closed-road sportive taking place in Kilmarnock on 24 and 25 September 2016.
Organised by The Verycool Events Company, the team behind the Tour of Cambridgeshire Gran Fondo and Chrono, the Gran Fondo Écosse will follow a similar format with a 20km (12.4 mile) time trial taking place on Saturday 24 September and a 137km (85 mile) Gran Fondo on the Sunday.
The UK's newest fully closed road cycle event will take place around the stunning East Ayrshire countryside, and has been accorded the prestigious Marmotte title by the organisers of the legendary La Marmotte ride in the French Alps. While it may not have the severity of the Alpine climbs the long route on the Gran Fondo still packs over 1500m (5000ft) of climbing on rolling roads.
The new event is the fourth in the iconic Marmotte Granfondo Series, joining the Marmotte Pyrenees (28 August), Marmotte Sestriere (24 July) and the original Marmotte Alpes (2 July).
Tom Caldwell from The Very Cool Events Company Ltd said, "I am delighted to be able bring this iconic brand and event to such a beautiful part of the United Kingdom.
"The Tour of Cambridgeshire was such a success that it paved the way for us to have this event incorporated within the prestigious Marmotte Gran Fondo Series.
"I am also delighted to be working with the Braveheart Cycling Fund, helping to raise their profile and raise funds for such an incredible cause supporting young riders in Scotland. I look forward to seeing a fantastic race together with the legions of leisure and charity riders enjoying the beautiful countryside in and around Kilmarnock."
The Chrono Time Trial on Saturday 24 September will take place on a rolling 20km circuit and will offer riders the opportunity to sample what it's like to ride like a professional with closed roads, start ramp and electronic timing. The Chrono is strictly limited to 600 entries and is open to all riders with a cost of £50.
The Gran Fondo on Sunday 25 will be on a challenging 137km route again on closed roads and will also be electronically timed. This is a gran fondo in the true sense with the front a proper race with a substantial prize list, while the rear is a non-competitive ride. Riders can choose the option of a gridded start according to their race category or can fulfil their own personal challenge of going for a time, riding with friends or merely taking part to raise funds for charity. Entries are priced £68 and will again be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The event is part of a weekend-long festival starting on Friday 23 with a 5km Tour of Colour Run and party around Kay Park in Kilmarnock, the event's headquarters. The entire weekend is powered and supported by the Braveheart Cycling Fund which works to support young Scottish cycling talent.
For more information and to enter visit www.marmotteecosse.com.
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