Celebrating 10 editions of the Oban Sportive

A last minute change to the long course kept everyone on their toes, with the short course proving popular before both routes enjoyed stretches of new tar along Glen Lonan.

A café atmosphere greeted finishers back to Oban, creating a warm and welcoming sense of occasion to while away the afternoon.

First rider home on the short course was Michael Bossard with an impressive time of 02:49:12.

First female rider home on the short course was Heather Shanks with 03:01:46 while Andre Van took the honours for first long course rider home on 03:59:45.

First lady home on the long course was Erin McFadden with a time of 05:04:29. A special mention of Richard Bradley who, aged 76, completed the long course.

The Sportive relies on the goodwill and generosity of an army of volunteers and this year was no exception.

Thanks go to all the marshals from Oban Mountain Rescue, Ardchattan Scouts, Adventure Oban, Taynuilt Cricket club and North Argyll Cycle Club.

A warm welcome and cheery encouragement were the order of the day with riders kept fed and watered at fuel stations throughout their ride. Soup and baking was provided by Cromka Cakes and Dine with the famous Turkey Cheese Burger Soup proving particularly popular.

Kilchrenan Inn once again provided a food stop for those on the short course, while a fantastic Oban Mountain Rescue team staffed the Ardfern long route feed stop.

Event organisers were eager the event once again made a difference beyond the tarmac with a range of charitable causes supported by proceeds from entries. The Scouts, Adventure Oban and Taynuilt Cricket Club will benefit from this year’s surplus. This is on top of donations of more than £6,000 made earlier in the year.

Sportive committee member Sean Jameson said: “Putting together an event like this takes a huge amount of hard work, so it’s awesome to see everyone feeling proud and having fun.

“Smiling faces are the best sign we’ve done a good job. Huge thanks to everyone who helped out this year -sponsors, marshals, folks at fuel stops, volunteers and everyone in between.”

The event wouldn’t have happened without support from sponsors including Oban Distillery, DRAX Energy, BID4Oban, Kames Fish Farm, Rusty Cycle Shed, Leslie Bikes and other local suppliers.

The Oban Sportive will be back next year with entries for 2025 open now and available at obansportive.co.uk. Sign up now and take advantage of 50 per cent off your entry fees. Use EARLY25 as a code.