Policeman tasked with preventing sabotage at cycling event

A SPECIALIST police officer has been appointed to the largest closed road cycling event in Britain in a bid to prevent any threat of a repeat of the sabotage which came close to wrecking the race in Highland Perthshire last year.

The 2009 Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia was held up for 90 minutes last May after hundreds of carpet tacks were strewn along more than five miles of the 81-mile route in an apparent protest over road closures.

Hundreds of competitors suffered punctured tyres on a stretch of the route between Innerhadden and Schiehallion, and participants in the charity race were given a police escort after the road was eventually cleared.

This year's race, which is being held on 16 May, has already sold out with a record entry of more than 4,500 cyclists expected to take part.

Tayside Police yesterday announced that, as part of its plans to step up security for the event, a dedicated community liaison officer has been appointed to address the concerns of local residents in advance of the race.

Sergeant Dave Patton will be holding a series of surgeries to discuss community issues surrounding the Etape event at Aberfeldy, Pitlochry and Kinloch Rannoch between 16 and 25 April.

A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said: "In order to provide assistance to local residents prior to and during the event, Tayside Police has appointed a dedicated community liaison officer. Over the next few weeks, Sgt Patton, who is based at Pitlochry Police Station, will be attending a number of community meetings and groups to discuss the forthcoming road closures and diversions, and to address any issues local residents might have."

Sgt Patton said: "We want everyone to enjoy themselves – local residents, those taking part, and spectators. From a policing perspective our priority is the safety and security of everyone involved."