Kingussie shinty team saddle up for Bike Week

The world’s most successful sporting outfit, the Kingussie shinty team, are gearing up for a packed week of cycling activity, as Bike Week begins on 17 June. The Kingussie team will be appearing for a photocall at 6.15pm on Wednesday 31 May ahead of the Kingussie Bikeathon on Sunday 18 June.

The Bikeathon, a 26 mile Leukaemia Research fundraiser, goes from Kingussie to Inverdrurie (near Aviemore) and back. The event is part of national Bike Week and looks set to spark a cycling frenzy in the Highlands, as around 1000 cyclists are expected to take part. The Kingussie players will be joining the throng and cycling on the day.

Bike Week is the UK’s annual celebration of cycling, incorporating 1000’s of local events under one national banner, with the aim of getting “more people cycling more often.”  It runs from 17 – 25 June.

Kingussie Shinty Coach Jim Gow said: “The team is used to intensive training, so the Bikeathon should be a great test of their fitness! We’re also thrilled to support Leukaemia Research. It’ll be a great day out.”

Cycling Scotland is promoting Bike Week in Scotland. Cycling Scotland’s PR Officer Andrew Pankhurst said: "We’re excited to be supporting the Kingussie Bikeathon, because it’s a great example of what Bike Week is about. Come Sunday 18 June, this part of the Highlands will be jam-packed with cyclists. Cycling Scotland’s main aim is to encourage more people to cycle and events like this are the best way to get large numbers of people to give cycling a go.”

Bob Neild is organising the Bikeathon for Leukaemia Research. Bob commented: “The Bikeathon is great event to take part in, and it raises much needed funds. Over the years the Bardenoch and Strathspey branch has raised over £400,000 for Leukaemia Research, so we’re hoping to add a sizable amount to that figure on June 18.”