​Extreme weather but thousands still take part

Nearly 7,000 people took to their bikes on Sunday for the nation’s largest cycling event.

Pedal for Scotland is the country’s largest cycling event starting in Glasgow and finishing in Edinburgh.

It saw participants range from a one year old on a tag along to an 88 years old with riders completing a combined total of 294,000 miles and raising thousands for charity in the process.

Capital Scotland Breakfast Presenter Des Clarke took part on the 45-mile route on closed roads from as one of the 5,200 riders doing the Classic Challenge.

The presenter only learned to cycle earlier this year at the age of 37.

The Classic Challenge (45-miles) and Big Belter (100-miles) routes started at Glasgow Green, with riders pedalling through to Edinburgh on closed roads, finishing at the Royal Highland Centre.

The 10-mile Wee Jaunt saw participants as young as five years old taking part, cycling from Linlithgow to Edinburgh.

Keith Irving, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “It’s been another fantastic turn out this year. Congratulations to everyone who took part and thanks to all the volunteers, event staff and emergency services who assisted and funders and sponsors who helped deliver the event.

Clarke added: “I had the most amazing time training and taking part in Pedal for Scotland. I only learned to ride a bike this year, and just getting to the start line is one of my proudest achievements. I couldn't have done it without the support of friends and family, and want to thank my fellow riders for all of the encouragement! Thank you Pedal for Scotland!”