Etape Loch Ness "generated £0.75m for local economy"
CYCLISTS who tackled the Etape Loch Ness race this year brought a cash windfall of almost £750,000 to the area, an independent report has revealed.
The economic assessment, by Mackay Consultants Inverness, found that the economy received a £743,000 injection — helped in part by the number of competitors who travelled to the area from outside the Highlands.
More than two-thirds of those who took part were not local — a 20 per cent increase on the previous year.
The number of riders was also well up on 2014’s inaugural event, with 3328 riders taking part on the 66-mile closed road sportive. This was an increase of 166 per cent.
Nine in every ten riders said they would take part again.
Event director Malcolm Sutherland said: “The report confirms what we have always believed — that events such as Etape Loch Ness can be a significant driver for the local economy. The statistics show that people are travelling to the area and when they are here, they are using local accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants, and other facilities.
