Nearly 100 cyclists have battled bracing winds to complete a race through some of Moray’s most picturesque scenery.
Competitors peddled against the breeze to raise thousands for charity as part of Elgin Rotary Club’s inaugural triple challenge.
A field of 94 racers took part in the 31-mile race run yesterday from Miltonduff Hall.
The event was the second leg of the challenge that has replaced the biennial Marafun running race through the heart of Elgin, which raised £40,000 when it was last held in 2017.
Ed Dunbar was the first rider home to the finish line in a time of 1hr 29mins 48secs.
Iain Jamieson, who was the lead organiser for Elgin Rotary Club, said: “We had a wonderful number of entries, much higher than we anticipated for our first time holding it which was excellent.
“Everybody seemed to enjoy it, albeit there were one or two sections where it was hard going for them against the wind.
“We had a great mix of cyclists from elite riders to those who had not undertaken such a challenge before, which was great to see. I think it will become a fixture in our calendar.”
Elgin Cycling Club helped devise the route of the course, which took in rural roads through Mosstowie, Pluscaden, Dallas and Kellas, to provide a mix of climbs and descents as well as long flat sections.
Competitors have already dived into the pool to complete an 800-metre swim as part of the opening part of the triple challenge.
A five-mile run from Cooper Park in Elgin following the winding route of the River Lossie will be held in June to complete the event.
Entry fees from competitors will be combined with donations to generate a final total which will be distributed between local charities.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, who completed yesterday’s cycle race, said: “It was exhilarating to be back in the saddle for the whole 30 miles.
“It’s probably been one of the best-run events I’ve taken part in, which is a tribute to the organisers and volunteers.”
