Mark Beaumont launches Pedal for Scotland

ROUND-THE-WORLD cyclist Mark Beaumont has launched an event which aims to encourage all levels of rider to take part.

Mark Beaumont and Keira Murtagh help launch this years Pedal For Scotland alongside James McCallum and Stephen Murtagh. Picture: Jeff Holmes

The 16th freshnlo Pedal for Scotland event will take place in September, with different rides to suit all abilities.

Beaumont, an ambassador for the event, will take part in the 47-mile Challenge ride between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

There are also shorter family rides in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and a timed 110-mile Sportive route between the two cities for more experienced riders.

Beaumont, who has recently returned to the UK following his round-the-Commonwealth trip with the Queen’s Baton Relay for the BBC, said: “This will be my fourth time taking part in the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland 47-mile Challenge ride.

“Every year I am struck by the huge variety of ages and abilities who come together to take on this brilliant route, from beginners and people returning to cycling to those who use their bikes on a daily basis.

“There is such a great atmosphere of camaraderie on the day and I can’t wait to line up at the start for the 2014 event.”

The Challenge ride takes participants on a scenic route from Glasgow Green to Edinburgh along closed and quiet roads and cycle paths, finishing at Murrayfield Stadium.

There are rest stops along the way, with a free lunch in the grounds of Linlithgow Palace and home baking at Avonbridge.

More than 8,000 cyclists took part in the 15th freshnlo Pedal for Scotland last year.

Beaumont broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world by bicycle in 2008 aged 25, beating the previous record holder by 81 days, to complete the 18,296-mile journey in less than 195 days.