And many of those cyclists will be taking to their bikes in aid of Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, which has been chosen once again as one of two official charities for the event (Action Medical Research is also an official Etape 2008 charity).

The Etape Caledonia was launched in June 2007 as the first, and currently only, cycle event in the whole of the United Kingdom to take place on roads that have been closed specifically for the event.

After the great success of the inaugural race in 2007, when over a thousand riders took part in the 83-mile course around the stunning highlands of Perthshire, the race was recognised in The Independent Newspaper’s 50 Best Rides in the UK.

50 cyclists took part in last year’s event in aid of Maggie’s, raising a fantastic £18,000 for the support and information centres for people affected by cancer.

A spokeswoman for Maggie’s said: “We are so pleased to be one of Etape’s official charities for the second year running. It is a fantastic event that takes place across some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. Those raising money for Maggie’s at Etape are helping us to provide our programme of psychological, emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer across the UK.”

The Etape Caledonia offers ordinary cyclists the chance to race on closed roads in safety, and provides a stern but achievable challenge through some breathtaking Scottish scenery.

This year the 81-mile course will start and finish in Pitlochry, winding around Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel, with a total ascent of 1,949m. Etape Caledonia is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 80, and costs just £49 to enter.

Kevin Stuart, of event organisers IMG, is confident of even more entrants this year: “We had nearly 2000 cyclists last year and we are anticipating that number increasing to 3000 this year. This is a unique cycling event and a great chance for people of all levels to experience a challenge in safety and in one of the UK’s most stunning regions.”

Olympic track cyclist Victoria Pendleton added: “The Etape Caledonia was a great success last year and I’m glad to see that it is back for second year. Safety can be a big issue in mass-participation cycling events, so to have a closed road event is a fantastic step forward. They have a lot of events like this in Europe and it’s about time Britain caught up.”

Back again for 2008 are event sponsors Adidas, and joining them for the first time is The Independent, along with French manufacturers Mavic as the official event support team.

Those wishing to enter in aid of Maggie’s can contact Charley on 0845 602 4324 or email charley@maggiescentres.org.  Alternatively, they can sign up by calling 0871 384 9920, emailing info@etapecaledonia.co.uk or logging onto www.etapecaledonia.co.uk.