A couple who got married on the start line of the Etape Caledonia eight years ago celebrated their wedding anniversary by riding the Scottish closed road sportive again today – and appropriately, among the 5,500 fellow cyclists taking part was Four Weddings and a Funeral star, John Hannah.
Back in 2011, ex-world champion and Hour record holder Graeme Obree and former SNP leader and now Deputy First Minister of Scotland John Swinney were among those who watched on as Jo and Rick Millin tied the knot before the event got under way in Pitlochry.
Today, appropriately, the couple were joined at the start of the 85-mile sportive in Highland Perthshire by keen cyclist John Hannah (in yellow below), one of the stars of the Richard Curtis rom-com Four Weddings and a Funeral, which marked the 25th anniversary of its release this week.
Before setting off this morning, Hannah, who lives in London’s Richmond – which is handy for doing training laps of its park – told organisers that it was his "first time in Pitlochry, it's beautiful."
It seems that the 57-year-old Scottish actor, whose screen credits include starring opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in Sliding Doors, and playing Jonathan Carnahan in The Mummy trilogy, enjoyed himself.
Craig Dews, CEO of organisers Limelight Sports, said: "This year has been another amazing year for Etape Caledonia, the UK's original closed road cycling event.
“We hope all of the participants today had a great experience being part of this challenging and exciting sportive.
“It's been fantastic to be able to bring Etape Caledonia to Highland Perthshire once again,” he continued.
“After 13 years the event is still hugely popular with cyclists of all levels of ability and from all around the UK and we were delighted to see John Hannah amongst the riders.
“We also wish Jo and Rick a happy anniversary, what an amazing way to celebrate!"
Anyone wishing to take part in next year’s event can sign up from tomorrow morning at www.etapecaledonia.co.uk .
Try kill someone in a car and you get virtually 0 punishment .
Seen an air crash? Worried about aviation safety? Simple - ban passengers on aeroplanes. Problem solved, motor normative style.
'Useless"? You're not one of those "outdoor cycling" purists by any chance?
Helps keep an eye out for close passes I guess? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kPM3wy4asC8
Every time we have a storm in the UK, many trees are blown down, so a few trees removed for a family cycle lane will not make much difference to...
Every mechanic I know hates Muc-Off Wet Lube with a fiery passion because it accumulates gunk like no other....
I wouldn't worry about it. Secret_squirrel is only the sole arbiter of what is acceptable for discussion in road.cc comments in his own head,...
Beautiful wheels, I wouldn't say no. But have a look for the 2000-era Gipiemme Grecal Parade wheels to see an early example of a similar look.
Ah, but they're criminals - by definition if they entered illegally. It's when they change the laws to enhance their power and then break them...
Haptic feedback somewhere in the sytem? Just triggers a vibration when you press the shift button?