One of the north-east’s biggest cycling events could help boost the economy of a village ravaged by the floods which heralded in 2016.
The organisers and sponsors of the Etape Royale hope this year’s event can help get Ballater back on its feet following Storm Frank.
The increasingly-popular event now features a 45-mile route, alongside 65-mile and 100-mile challenges.
The sportive takes cyclists through the rolling back roads and hills of rural Aberdeenshire and Moray, from Royal Deeside to Speyside’s whisky country.
It comes as Quilter Cheviot Investment Management were announced as the headline sponsor of what is considered one of the top cycling events in the UK.
The race will start and finish in Ballater – where some 300 homes and 100 businesses were devastated by a deluge when the River Dee burst its banks on December 30.
Chief executive of Quilter Cheviot, David Loudon, said: “The Etape Royale is a fantastic event set in a stunning part of Scotland.
“Having been involved with the challenge last year, we understand how it helps to support the local economy in Ballater and the surrounding communities.
“We feel that support is absolutely crucial this year, given the impact of recent floods.
“Many of our colleagues, clients and contacts are keen cyclists and we want to demonstrate our shared passion for the sport through initiatives such as this.”
David Fox-Pitt, director of event organisers, Wild Fox Events, said: “We are delighted that, together, we can build on the success of 2015 to ensure that participants of this year’s Etape have a spectacular and memorable day whilst supporting the local community in Ballater and all along the route.”
