No fewer than 119 riders from across the British Isles have entered this Sunday’s Manx 100 mountain bike race.
Now in its fifth year, the Manx Mountain Bike Club- organised event continues to grow in interest and stature.
It is renowned as the most challenging single-lap event in the UK and was recently voted Red Bull’s No.1 endurance event.
This year’s race, which has split distances of 100 miles and 100 kilometres, will also includes a short race over the final 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the bottom of Barnell at 2pm.
There is a 6.30am start for the main ‘100’ events from the TT Grandstand, which will have a police escort for riders through Onchan to Bibaloe Beg and the first off-road trails in the Creg-ny-Baa backroad area.
There is a defined route, clearly marked, with GPS tracking points and timing mats along the way.
All three events will finish at the TT Grandstand.
Visiting riders from as far afield as Manchester, Telford, Fort William, Halifax and Birmingham will be making the trip across. Leading locals include Longest Day, Longest Ride winner Stephen Kelly, Liam Mazzone, Les Corran, Dean Gilbert, Phil Mackie, Darren Murphy, Emma Atkinson and Cal Brown. The 50km favourite could well be local footballer Lee Gale.
The 100-mile route will involve 16,000 feet of climbing, so riders will never be on the flat long.
The lead riders take around 10 hours to complete the distance, while the mere mortals will be in (or out of!) the saddle for up to 16 hours.
The 100km route is also very challenging, taking anywhere between seven and 14 hours to complete.
Unique hand-made finishers medals have been designed and manufactured by the Workshop for the Disabled, while all riders will receive bottles of Hooded Ram ale. In addition there are hoodies designed by Promenade Shirts & Embroidery Ltd.
On race day, Robinsons’ will supply fresh fruit, water will also be provided.