Protesters warn Etape cycle event could be hit again

A PROTEST group has warned that the largest closed-road cycling event in Britain could again be targeted by saboteurs unless urgent action is taken to address legal, public nuisance and safety issues.

The Etape Caledonia race was sabotaged last May when hundreds of carpet tacks were strewn along more than five miles of the 81-mile route in an apparent protest over road closures.

This year's race, which is being held on 16 May, has already sold out with a record entry of more than 4,500 cyclists expected to take part.

But the local protest group, Anti-Closed Road Events (Acre), has now written to Justine Curran, the Chief Constable of Tayside Police, warning of the risk of another attack.

Peter Hounam, a businessman who acts as spokesman for the protest group, said: "There are significant legal, public nuisance and safety issues associated with the event, and the adverse impacts of some are increasing with the growth of participant numbers."

A spokesman for Tayside Police said the letter had been forwarded to the inspector responsible for the area. The spokesman added: "He will be in contact with the group with a view to discussing matters further."