Obree leads the way as 14,000 cyclists take to the streets

CYCLING legend Graeme Obree celebrates crossing the finishing line at the end of the event dubbed Scotland’s largest cycling festival yesterday.

More than 14,000 cyclists – among them broadcaster Lorraine Kelly – took part in a variety of cycling events across the Central Belt. Organisers said 6,000 cyclists took to traffic-free streets in Glasgow for the city’s third annual outing of the Sky Ride – a 10km route which took in landmarks such as the new Riverside Museum, Nelson’s Monument and Glasgow Green.

More than 8,400 cyclists also took part in the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland event.

Organisers said 7,285 people took part in the 51-mile ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh, while 900 people seeking a tougher challenge took a 100-mile route through the Southern Uplands between the two cities. Finally, 250 cyclists joined a new nine-mile family ride in Edinburgh, from Kirkliston to Murrayfield on a traffic-free route.

Obree, supporting the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland event, said: “I think today was really special. As a cyclist with an enormous passion for cycling it really is marvellous to see so many people, of all ages, taking to the roads on their bicycles. Today Scotland was a showcase for the power of cycling – long may that continue.”