ETAPE Loch Ness 2026: 6,500 Riders Take on The UK’s Biggest Closed-Road Sportive This Weekend

April 20, 2026

Over 6,500 Riders Set to Take on the UK’s Most Scenic Closed-Road Cycling Sportive.

Scotland (April 20, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Event week is here with the news that 6,500 cyclists will descend on the Highlands for the 2026 Etape Loch Ness on Sunday 26 April.

Now in its 12th year, the UK’s largest closed-road sportive will once again transform the iconic roads around Loch Ness into a celebration of cycling, welcoming riders of all abilities to take on the breathtaking 66-mile (106km) route. Participants will experience panoramic Highland scenery, a vibrant event atmosphere, and the unforgettable challenge of the legendary King and Queen of the Mountain climb.

With entries selling out months in advance, this year’s event is set to be the biggest in its history, underlining its reputation as a bucket-list ride for cyclists across the UK and beyond. From first-time riders to seasoned cyclists, thousands will come together not just for the challenge, but to be part of a unique community event that celebrates the spirit of cycling.

More than 1,000 participants will also be riding in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, continuing a long-standing partnership that has raised over £2.6 million for people living with cancer across the UK since 2014.

Malcolm Sutherland, CEO of Caledonian Concepts, said: “With just a week to go, the excitement is really building for what promises to be our biggest and most memorable Etape Loch Ness yet. Seeing thousands of riders come together to take on this incredible route – whether for personal challenge, charity, or simply the joy of riding – is what makes this event so special. We’re also incredibly proud of the continued support for Macmillan Cancer Support, with riders once again raising significant funds to help people living with cancer across the UK.”

Spectators are encouraged to come out and support riders along the route, helping to create the electric atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Etape Loch Ness.

As a closed-road event, there will be a number of road closures in place around Inverness and the Loch Ness area on Sunday 26 April to ensure the safety of participants and other road users. Full details can be found here

For more information, visit www.etapelochness.com

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Contact Information:

For more information please contact: Laura Price | laura@keepcomms.com | +44 7444 954 275.

About Etape Loch Ness

The Etape Loch Ness is a cycle sportive, which is a short to long distance, organised, non-competitive mass-participation cycling event. The Etape Loch Ness takes place around iconic Loch Ness offering the chance to cycle 66 miles (106 km) on traffic-free roads. The 360° closed-road route around the loch starts and finishes in the Highland capital of Inverness, offering 900m of ascent. There is a timed King and Queen of the Mountain stage, with a 4.8-mile (9 km) climb gaining 380m in height with a gradient reaching 12% at times.

The 2026 edition also celebrates 12 years of partnership between Etape Loch Ness and Macmillan Cancer Support. Since 2014, participants have raised an incredible £2.62 million for the charity, helping Macmillan support the 3.5 million people living with cancer across the UK.

Sponsors and partners of the 2026 Etape Loch Ness are The Highland Council, HIGH5, Erdinger Alkoholfrei, Harry Gow Bakery, Yellow Jersey, Caledonian Logistics, Marathon Photos and JustGiving.

About Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support has spent more than 100 years helping people living with cancer. We know that cancer can disrupt your whole life, and it can be made worse simply because of who you are and where you live. But we’re here to change that. The number of people diagnosed with cancer is growing, and every one of them needs the best support to meet their unique needs. That’s why we’ll do whatever it takes to help everyone living with cancer across the UK get the support they need right now and transform cancer care for everyone who will be diagnosed in the future. Signing up to an event like Etape Loch Ness helps Macmillan support more people affected by cancer.