Mark Beaumont backs new charity cycle event

Record-breaking adventurer Mark Beaumont has backed a new charity cycle event.

Mark Beaumont. Picture: Jane Barlow

The St Andrew’s Hospice Sportive is an 80-mile closed road event and takes in some of the classic west of Scotland roads and climbs as well as back roads in Lanarkshire.

Participants will begin the journey at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld before reaching the finish in Chryston.

Round the World cyclist Mark, 32, said: “I am delighted to be leading out the inaugural St Andrew’s Hospice Sportive. This is a fantastic route on some iconic stretches including Milton of Campsie and Crow Road.

“With over 5,000 ft of ascent it will be a challenging event, but with closed roads I have no doubt that this will be brilliant.

“Through the hard miles and camaraderie everyone can also make a big difference to the people being looked after in Lanarkshire by the St Andrew’s Hospice.”

The route passes through Lennoxtown, climbs over the Crow Road, along the Carron Valley before plummeting down the Tak ma Doon Road into Kilsyth.

The event in April next year will fundraise for St Andrew’s Hospice which provides end of life care.