7th July 2013 sees the third edition of the ‘Microgaming Lighthouses Challenge’ sportive event supported by Microgaming Isle of Man.

This is a classic training ride from bygone years taking in the Island’s lighthouses (where possible!) and most of the Island’s coastline. The long route is not for the faint hearted and on a good day you will be able to see Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales.

Former Falcon-Banana pro Rob Holden, one of the organising team, said: “This year’s Lighthouses Challenge is very much built upon the success of the two previous editions which were a local events, last year attracting nearly 200 entries. The organising team feel that we have an event that, in the next five years, could grow in significance and become a major feature on the British Spotive scene.

The Isle of Man is a beautiful place to ride a bike, on or off road, and combined with fantastic ambassadors such as Mark Cavendish and Pete Kennaugh the level of world interest in Manx cycling has never been higher. Our ambition is that the event becomes a permanent fixture on the UK sportive calendar and will assist in raising funds for future Isle of Man cycling teams at events such as the Island Games and Commonwealth Games. As Microgaming have been our national cycling team sponsor for the last five years, and many of their staff are enthusiastic cyclists, we’re delighted with their committment to this event .”

We are also supporting Hospice Isle of Man with £1.50 from each entry being donated.

The Lighthouses Challenge offers two course distances, 100 miles and 49 miles, and the opportunity to ride the longer event as part of a team. The teams will be allowed to changeover at a point of their choice as long as it’s at any one of the 10 checkpoints.

The full course will take a clockwise route from the historic TT Grandstand in Douglas and takes in over 2,000 metres of climbing, including the climbs to Cregneash and the  Sloc, before continuing on the northern plains and then the shorter climbs along the north east coast back into Douglas. This year there will be three feed zones available to take at your leisure, Port Erin, Patrick and Ramsey.

The shorter route will have the same start and finish in Douglas (with much of the same climbing!) but will turn short of Peel along the Patrick road to the Hope. It will then climb up to Archallagan before the descent back to Douglas via the Braaid and Vicarage road.

Entries will be taken online via the BC website.

All entrants, individual and team, will receive an event t-shirt and drink bottle and refreshments will be available at the feed stations along the route. 

Timing will be electronic.

Info for Riders

Electronic Timing, Feed zones, Goody bag, Fully signposted route. View Britain as you have never seen it before, from the middle of the Irish Sea! **Online entries now closed but any last minute entrants can email the organiser for a place**