Stage seven of the Tour d’Écosse is as close to the traditional transitional stage as it’s possible to get. The route avoids the Bathgate Alps and takes the low route from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

In Lionel and Simon’s defence they have to go via Livingston Football Club’s Tony Macaroni Arena. It’s a beautiful, quiet ride offering time for reflection and reminiscence before they reach the outskirts of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

Simon visits the Caledonian Brewery before they reach the home of Heart of Midlothian and then it’s on to Hibernian and a glimpse of some Sunshine on Leith.

Supersapiens
Supersapiens is a continuous glucose monitoring system that helps you make the right fuelling choices. Stay in your performance zone with Supersapiens. Find out more at supersapiens.com

Science in Sport
Lionel and Simon were fuelled by Science In Sport. Everything you need before, during and after your ride. For 25% off all your SiS products, go to scienceinsport.com and enter the code SISCP25 at the checkout.

MAAP
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Hammerhead
The Tour d'Écosse routes were created using the Hammerhead dashboard and Lionel and Simon followed the yellow line and the Karoo 2's turn-by-turn directions from Gretna to Dingwall. For a limited time, listeners to The Cycling Podcast can get a free heart-rate monitor with the purchase of a Hammerhead Karoo 2. Visit hammerhead.io and use promo code CYCLE at checkout when you've added both items to your cart.

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The Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

S10 Ep149: Explore | Tour d'Écosse stage 7: Strathclyde Country Park – Leith