KYLE Beattie powered his way through snow and ice around the clock to win Strathpuffer 2025 and also become British champion at Contin Forest.
Kyle Beattie came out on top to win Strathpuffer 2025. Picture: Callum Mackay.
The Inverness cyclist put in a dominant performance as he was three laps ahead of his nearest rival to claim the 24-hour endurance title for the second time in his career on Sunday.
It was also the first time he has been crowned British 24-hour endurance champion as the competition was held in conjunction with Strathpuffer this year.
Beattie (29) pedalled 23 laps through snow and ice around the 12.5km course to take the crown in a time of 23 hours, 55 minutes and 37 seconds.
Kyle Beattie (centre) with Colin Ritchie and Niall Shannon. Picture: Callum Mackay.
He was three laps ahead of his nearest rival Colin Ritchie who finished in second place with 20 laps in a time of 23:58:25.
Niall Shannon claimed third place with 18 laps in a time of 23:21:40.
In the Women’s competition, Kerry MacPhee from South Uist claimed the title for the first time in her career with 17 laps in a time 23:31:55
Gail Brown was second with 15 laps in a time of 23:52:15 with Emily Greaves third with 14 laps in a time of 23:12:04.
Gail Brown, Kerry MacPhee and Emily Greaves. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Beattie, last won the Strathpuffer in 2020 and came second last year to Dingwall cyclist Martin Ross.
He says it was an incredible moment for him to comprehend that he had come out on top at the competition once again.
He said: “This means the absolute world and what a race. It is definitely my favourite race on the calendar.
“The atmosphere, the other riders and everyone is so amazing and I just love it.
“The first win was amazing but this one is equally as good.”
Temperatures dropped to -12 at the start of Saturday morning as cyclists had to contend with riding through snow and ice.
Beattie says it was some of the hardest conditions that he has ever tackled in competition.
“It was definitely wild out there, it was almost like a cycle cross race.
“It was like riding in sand. But what an experience, I always wanted to ride a snowy puffer and I was lucky to get one today.”
Winning the race by three laps, Beattie says it was a tough contest against quality cyclists and he knew that he had to be at his best to come out on top.
“It could have changed at any point because everyone was flying. We got a bit of a gap and we just pushed on. I can’t remember what time it was but I just kept pushing pedals and see what happened.”
Beattie was met at the finishing line by his wife Diane along with other members of his family and he was quick to pay tribute to the role they played in helping him in preparation and cheering him on.
It is super special, to have my family and friends here too. They say it is a solo race, but it is a full team sport. They have done an amazing job and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
“It means the world to have my wife Diane and my Mum, my sister, her fiance and friends there. It is a dream come true and I am over the moon.”
Beattie says he is not yet committing to defending his title in 2026, but says it is a special event to him.
”We’ll see what is on for next year. Even if I am not here next year, you can’t beat the atmosphere of this place.”
Strathpuffer 2025 Sunday. Dingwall Academy claimed the Schools Eight title. Picture: Callum Mackay.
There was also success for Dingwall Academy who won the School Eights Competition. The team of eight completed 23 laps in a time of 24:46:26. Gordonstoun School came second with 18 laps in a time of 24:48:11 with Glenalmond College in third place in a time if 23:32:38.