Karen Darke to act as ambassador for Tour O The Borders

British Paralympic cyclist Karen Darke MBE will be representing the 2017 Tesco Bank Tour O The Borders as an ambassador.

Darke is a multiple Olympic medal winner, including silver at the 2012 London Paralympics and gold in Rio whilst representing Great Britain in Woman’s Road Cycling. Amongst other sporting achievements, Darke has also climbed Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and El Capitan and hand-cycled, skied and swam the length of Japan.

“We are extremely proud to welcome Karen to the Scottish Borders and to ride alongside all the other riders at the Tesco Bank Tour O The Borders,” said event director Neil Dalgleish. “It’s a very beautiful route, and having Karen here will make a superb cycling day out even more special.”

The closed road sportive is set to take place on Sunday, September 3rd and is expected to attract over 2,000 riders who can select either a 88km or 120km close road route. Starting and finishing in Peebles, both routes wind through the hills of the Scottish Borders.

Speaking about the event, Darke said: “Having heard so many wonderful things about the Tour O The Borders from friends who have ridden the event over the years, I am delighted to be finally able to ride it for myself. Being hugely passionate about anything on two wheels, I am always excited to see any event that encourages more people to ride their bikes. What makes it even more special is that fact that we are able to enjoy the ride on traffic-free closed roads.”