Dundee's skyline is dominated by the Law. Standing 175m above sea level it provides afocal point for the start of the stage race. The Law is no stranger to top flight racing - it hosted the prologue for the Kellogs Tour in the late 80's.(youtube link)

Riders start in Law Crescent. The first part of the route is rolling as it circles the base of the Law with a fast downhill along Kinghorne Road. The turn into Law Road is sharp and kicks up immediately, holding a steady 1 in 9 for a few hundred metres before the gradient eases.

As the road circles north then east towards the top of the Law the gradient steepens again till at the final bend Dundee is visible laid out below. The road has poor sightlines so please take care when descending. It also has a few stretches without potholes to catch out the unwary.

A video of the climb up the Law from Kinghorne Road.

Watching the stage

There is limited parking at the top of Dundee Law and virtually no parking on the ascent. There are however many footpaths and the route is compact so it is quite accessible. Photographers will find the second half of the route to be the best with plenty of opportunity for great pics.

Map

Stage 1 is mostly flat in the fertile area to the west of Newtyle. The race rolls out from the HQ and is neutralised until the end of the twin village of Birkhill and Muirhead, about 1 mile after passing the petrol station at the start of the village. An easy road over the Sidlaw hills is followed by a fast and twisty descent to Newtyle. Riders are warned for their own safety to avoid crossing the white lines on the descent.

After passing throught Newtyle the race turns left towards Belmont and then through Ardler village past the Tavern. A sharp left/right zig-zag takes the riders over the line of the old Strathmore railway followed by a left turn towards Kettins. Left again at Kettins to take the race back to Newtyle for the end of the first of 5 laps. These roads are quite open and a strong wind will not be held back by the well spaced trees along the road.

On the final lap the race does not turn towards Kettins but continues tothe A923 Coupar Angus road. Turning left here, it is a steadily steepening climb to the finish line at the lay-by half way up the climb of Tullybaccart. This is a strong mans finish and should be ridden beforehand if you want to get your timing for the final sprint just right.

Watching the Stage

The best place to watch the race is probably Ardler Village, with the added benefit of a pub to stave off the effects of the scorching sun. Please park considerately for the residents and to not impede the race progress. It is possible to swap from side to side of the circuit and watch the race twice per lap. Photographers will like the Kettins-Newtyle road as well as Ardler village for great photo opportunities.

Parking at the finish is limited and much of it is needed by race vehicles. Please take every care to not obstruct the main road. A second car park is available at the top of the hill, about a half mile walk away.

Race Schedule

Times are calculated on an average speed of 20mph (slow), 23.5mph (expected) and 27mph (fastest). Weather and race conditions will affect these times so they are given as a rough guide only.

Map

If Stage 2 was mostly flat, Stage 3 is mostly not. The same rollout from the HQ, but bearing left in Muirhead to drop the flag at the NSL sign on the Coupar Angus road. After the crest of the climb, the road drops down Tullybaccart in the opposite direction to the previous days stage finish. Riders are warned to take exceptional care to not cross the centre lines as they pass over the bridge. There will be traffic coming the other way.

A sharp left turn at Pitcur takes the riders away from the main road. It is a straight but rolling road from here to Collace. The main ridge of the Sidlaws looms to the south. At Collace village the race turns left to climb through the village centre and pass Macbeths castle on Dunsinane Hill.

The climbing isn't done yet. After a short descent the road turns left up the Long Glen towards Abernyte. Fabulous scenery and good roads. Turning left away from Abernyte, the route then swings right to drop down Jocks Brae, a steep and mostly straight descent that is intimidating on your own, and terrifying in a pack. With a sharp left turn at the bottom, or a drystane dyke for the less careful, there is a brief respite before the ascent of the Knapp.

The first part of this 8 minute climb switches back and forth alongside a small burn as it rises to the farm at Littleton. From here it is straight up to the hill prime, a left turn and a gentle rise to the finish line.

You'll pass the finish line twice more as this first lap is completed by following the road downhill to join the main road near the top of Tullybaccart. With fresh legs all the climbs can be done in the big ring with a 25 on the back. They are, however, somewhat sustained.

Watching the Stage

This is a hard stage to watch in more than one location. The two best places for spectators would be the village of Collace (at the carpark for Dunsinane Hill) and the top of the Knapp climb. Collace has plenty of parking, the top of the Knapp less so. Photographers will find excellent shots at all points on the circuit, though there are limited opportunities to safely get off the road on the ascent of the Knapp.

Race Schedule

Map