Sunday 5th July 2020 sees the Isle of Man brought to life by the 10th edition of the Island's premier sportive, the Isle of Man Lighthouses Challenge’ powered by Microgaming.

This is a classic coastal ride circumnavigating the Isle of Man taking in the Island’s lighthouses where possible.

The Full Circle Route covers over 100 miles and is not for the faint hearted.

On a good day you will be able to see Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales as you circumnavigate the Island.

Nearly 450 participants entered in 2019 and the event continued to receive plenty of very complimentary feedback with some commenting that it was their "most enjoyable day ever" on their bike and that it was "fantastic value for money!"

The Isle of Man is a beautiful place to ride a bike, on or off road, and combined with fantastic modern era ambassadors such as Mark Cavendish, Pete Kennaugh, Mark & Anna Christian, Sam Brand, Mat Bostock, Amelia Sharpe and Lizzie Holden the level of interest in Manx cycling has never been higher. Combine this with stars from previous years such as Steve Joughin, Marie Morgan (nee Purvis), Millie Robinson & Mike Doyle then it can be concluded that the cycling terrain on the Isle of Man has something to do with the ‘recipe’ that produces these outstanding riders.

The event is now an eagerly awaited permanent fixture on the Isle of Man's sporting calendar. 

The Lighthouses Challenge offers three course distances, 102, 57 & 26 miles. 

The start/finish is in the heart of Douglas on the scenic and historic harbour. The HQ is the spectacular new Bikestyle premises at the Old Market Hall.

The Full Circle Route takes a clockwise route of the Island taking in over 100 miles and 2200 metres of climbing.

Heading south to the southernmost tip of the Island the initial stretch is classic spectacular coastal road along Marine Drive which is closed to traffic. The Southern classic climbs to Cregneash and the Sloc are covered on the way to the feed zones at Port Erin and St Johns. New for 2020, the Sloc climb will be over closed roads which will further enhance the magic of this assent.

Heading to Peel and then the Point of Ayre participants can recover a little over the northern plains before tackling the shorter but steeper climbs along the north east coast back into Douglas.

There are three well stocked feed stations en route to enjoy at your leisure located at Port Erin, St Johns and Ramsey plus a rider relaxation zone and more food at the finish.

All courses will have the same start and finish on Douglas harbourside and follow the main route south to the feed station at Port Erin.

The Semi Circle route continues to follow the main course to the second feed station at St Johns and returns to Douglas via Archallagan, Braddan and Abbeylands.

Covering the shortest distance of 26 miles the Quarter Circle Route takes the journey south and the hard riding ends at the Port Erin feed zone. This option is suitable for families with children who enjoy leisure cycling.

The short route finishes at Port Erin with transport back to Douglas on the Victorian Steam Railway where riders disembark and make their way along the quayside to the finish area. What a unique way to end a great day out! The entry fee for the short route includes the fare for the train ride.

Both shorter routes should not be underestimated as each holds a challenge or two along the journey! indeed the Semi Circle Route has the steepest climb of the day just after the feed zone at St Johns.

All routes finish on Douglas Harbourside where riders enjoy a recovery massage and then sit in the sun at the relaxation zone or at the various eateries, cafes or pubs and enjoy watching their fellow riders finish their personal challenge.

All entrants will receive an event ‘goody bag' which will include a souvenir 10^th anniversary commemorative T shirt and some snacks.’

Refreshments will be available at the feed stations along the route. The feed stations are legendary and synonymous with this event! You will not go hungry.

Timing is all electronic using state of the art equipment which records your passage around ‘The Rock’ and provides detailed splits for each sector of the route.

When you pass through the finish arch you will be presented with your well-deserved specially commissioned 10^th anniversary medal.

All courses are supported by motorcycle ‘service course’ and ‘broom wagons’….just in case!

Free massage at finish HQ, where you can also change.

Enter at www.sasevents.im or via British Cycling.

Our loyal sponsors Microgaming continue to heavily support Isle of Man sport and many of their staff are enthusiastic cyclists who take part in the Challenge or give their time to act as Stewards. We’re delighted with their commitment and continued involvement with this event.

The event will continue to support the Isle of Man Cycling Association.

The promotion also supports local charities. In the past the event has contributed over £8000 to local charities and the IOM Cycling Association.

You can rest assured that you will receive a warm and friendly welcome on the Isle of Man, and you can look forward to some great 'banter' on your journey around 'the rock'. 

For more information visit www.sasevents.im and click on the event page. Here you will find all the details you need and links to our travel and accommodation partners.

Arranging travel and accommodation could not be simpler. Our travel partner specialist Isle of Man Event Services will be pleased to sort your arrangements and have a wide range of solutions from basic to luxury standard accommodation.

There are some great photos of previous events there too and hundreds more photos on the Facebook page.

Entries open on 1^st January 2020, make this event your New Year resolution, you won’t regret it.

Info for Riders

Entry fee includes: > Electronic Timing > 4 Feed zones > Goody bag > Fully signposted route. > 2 'broom wagons' > 3 Motorcycle 'service course' Victorian train return to Douglas SHORT ROUTE ONLY

View Britain as you have never seen it before, from the middle of the Irish Sea!

For travel packages visit our event partners:

Isle of Man Event Services Ltd  http://www.iomevents.com

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Ltd   https://www.steam-packet.com