The event was a huge success with well over 2000 riders taking part, and coming from as far as Australia to take part. We are truly becoming an international cycling destination. The response from the cyclists has been hugely positive, and the few riders injured in falls or accidents are all recovered or are on the mend.

The event was only possible because of the input of a huge number of people, but as organisers we are very aware of the inconvenience caused to many local people who are not directly involved. We are aware of particular concerns of High Street residents and will be examining these and all other issues which have been raised.

We will continue to do our best keep any disruption or inconvenience to an absolute minimum, but we appreciate there will always be people adversely affected.

We also hope that overall the event’s advantages for the whole area are worth it. It has a very positive economic impact and the area’s reputation as a premiere cycling and outdoor leisure destination is growing quickly. Every hotel and B&B was full, restaurants were packed and most businesses we have heard from had a bumper weekend.

I’d like to thank all the event volunteers and staff, our incredibly hard-working event team, and all the local folk who stood at their gates early on Sunday to cheer on the riders.

We’ve had so many messages from the weekend’s visitors commenting on the beauty and friendliness of the area, with some even saying they’re intending to move here now. We live in a very special landscape and community, one we can be truly proud of. Thanks and hats off to all you good people who help make it so.

I am, etc.

Neil Dalgleish Event Director