Runaway horse joins competitors at cycling charity challenge

Etape: A horse races with cyclists after escaping from its field.© SWNS

A runaway horse added drama to a charity cycle race when it jumped over a fence and joined thousands of competitors taking part in a 81-mile challenge.

Participants braved strong winds and rainy weather to take part in the annual challenge near Pitlochry in Perthshire.

Each year the challenge raises thousands of pounds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and it is expected that nearly £200,000 will be raised from this year's event.

Among those taking part was Gerry McCann, father of missing Madeleine McCann. It was the third time he had taken part in the challenge and was more poignant for him as it took place on the day after his missing daughter’s birthday.

The race has in the past been affected by sabotage when tacks were put down on the the route. This year the controversy came from a runaway horse.

The brown horse jumped over a fence and joined in the race just past the 55-mile point near the Fortingall loop.

It was brought under control by the race marshalls within a few minutes.

The annual Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia challenge takes place on roads around Pitlochry, Tummel Bridge, Kinloch Rannoch, Schiehallion, Fortingall, Weem, Strathtay, Pitnacrae and Logierait.

Back in 2009 the normally tranquil route near Schiehallion was littered with carpet tacks, causing punctures for hundreds of riders.

The fastest time, and first over the finish line, was claimed by David McIntosh, 36, an Australian insolvency lawyer now living in London with a strong time of three hours 37 minutes 15 seconds.

James Tibbets, event director, IMG Challenger World, said “We are absolutely delighted with how well the event went this weekend. Despite the slightly chilly, damp and particularly windy weather conditions which slowed everyone down, Highland Perthshire heated everyone up with hot food, drinks and warm Highland welcomes.

"We’d also like to thank Marie Curie Cancer Care, Perth & Kinross Council, and the many sponsors involved in the event who contribute to ensuring it is a fantastic experience for cyclists.”

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