The Isle of Man Youth Cycling Tour gets underway this Friday evening on Douglas Promenade, sponsored by Sleepwell Hotels.
The event is part of British Cycling’s Youth Circuit Series and Junior Road Race Series, attracting up-and-coming young riders between the ages of five and 18 from across the UK and Europe. These include a traditionally strong Dutch team.
The Tour begins with a time trial on Douglas promenade at 5.30pm for all riders, followed by road racing in the Peel/Poortown area on Saturday morning for juniors (from 9am), and around the Ellerslie/Braaid area for youth riders on a closed roads course from 2.30pm.
Both sets of riders finish with races in the Ramsey area on Sunday, followed by a celebration dinner and prize presentation at the Villa Marina on Sunday evening.
Sleepwell Hotels has supported the event for over 10 years, providing financial backing, logistical support, subsidised accommodation for officials, riders and families, and catering for around 600 guests at the presentation gala dinner.
This year an entry of 349 riders has been received.
Road closures for the Switchback Road will be in place between 8.45am and 1.15pm at the latest on Saturday. There will be one-way traffic on the remainder of the course (Peel to Rockmount on the Poortown Road, Knocksharry to Peel, and Ballaquane Road).
Road closures in the Ellerslie/Braaid area will be place between 2pm and 6.30pm at the latest.
On Sunday, the juniors will be on the Bride/Ramsey course for a 92.6km road race, starting at 9am, with the youths tackling a series of circuit races from 12.30pm on North Shore Promenade, where road closures will be in place most of the day.
If you are able to help with marshalling, please email iomyt@hotmail.co.uk
For more general information, visit www.iomyouthtour.com
Event helpline : 410740.