4

Isle of Man Lighthouses Challenge

Cycle Sportive , Douglas – Sunday, 04 Jul 2021

Entry powered by British Cycling
Registered Sportive

British Cycling Grading

4
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Hard

Event Summary

Event Overview

We're excited to be back in action after the cancellation of last years's promotion due to the Coronavirus pandemic!

Sunday 4TH July 2021 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 Play It Forward.  

This is a classic coastal ride circumnavigating the Isle of Man.

Offering you the choice of three ride distances 100+ miles, 57 miles and 28 miles there will be an option to suit riders of all abilities from the leisure cyclist to seasoned professionals.

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

We look forward to welcoming up to 600 riders this year, 450 took part  in 2019. 

E bikes were first allowed to take part in 2018, we would love to see lots more taking on the challenge. We look forward to welcoming all who have been inspired to cycle using this new technology. 

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 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 Mans sporting calendar.

Roll Back the Years

Whatever distance you chose we invite all you admirers of classic bikes and kit to ride the event dressed in your favourite era kit and ride your precious classic/vintage machine.

Ride Your E Bike

If you are new to cycle sport and ride an ebike then this Challenge ride is waiting to welcome you. This category was introduced in 2018 and was welcomed by many who took the chance to take part. Why not come and join the fun? There are more ebikes than 'standard' bikes being sold these days, so we'd really like to welcome more ebike riders to the challenge. 

Full Circle Route

The Full Circle Route takes a clockwise route of the Island covering over 100 miles and over 2000 metres (6800 feet) of climbing.

Heading south to the southernmost tip of the Island at the Sound, 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 2021, 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 riders 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. 

Semi Circle Route

All courses will have the same start and finish at Douglas Rugby Club 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.

Take care! The Semi Circle Route packs in plenty of climbing over its 57 miles and includes the steepest climb of all routes just after the feed zone at St Johns.....just what you don't need on cafe legs!

Quarter Circle

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

For those tackling the short route you finish the hard riding at the Port Erin feed station which is a great strategy for novices as you are not over committing yourself.

When you have enjoyed the delights of the feed station you can make your way to the Railway Station at Port Erin for transport back to Douglas on the Victorian Steam Railway. What a unique way to end a great day out! The entry fee for the short route includes the fare for the train ride. The train station is only 400 metres from the Feed Zone.

The train will deliver you to Douglas Station, situated in the heart of Douglas from where you make your own way back to the official finish which is only 1.5 miles away along the flat Peel Road to Quaterbridge.

Refreshments will be available at the feed stations along the route. The feed stations are legendary and synonymous with this event! Some participants are rumoured to be returning just to visit the feed zones again! We promise 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 10th anniversary medal.

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

St John Ambulance are in mobile attendance to deal with any grazes and scrapes.

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 assist as Marshals, we’re delighted with their commitment and continued involvement with this event. Microgaming have supported this event since its inception so are also celebrating the 10th anniversary edition. 

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'. 

There are hundreds of photographs on Facebook at The Microgaming Lighthouses Challenge by SAS Events.

If you cannot enter on line please contact us by email via the contact page or telephone 0044 7624 475341. We can arrange for 'paper' entry subject to an extra charge. 

IMPORTANT NOTE UNDER 16'S

All riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for their safety and conduct on the road during the event.

ENTRIES CLOSE AT 23.55 ON 28 JUNE 2021 AND ARE LIMITED TO 600.


CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

At the moment entry to the Isle of Man is restricted due to the continuing effects of the pandemic.  In practical terms this means that the event is not available to non-IOM residents AT PRESENT. 

The Isle of Man Government is constantly reviewing the implications of the continuing pandemic and will open the border when appropriate. If you are a non-Isle of Man resident and wish to enter then you are welcome to do so.  If the border remains closed and, as a consequence you are unable to travel to the event, we will refund your entry fee in full. 

Our travel partner IOM Travel Event Services Ltd also have ‘Book with Confidence’ packages for UK visitors so they can make a reservation with a fully refundable deposit should the borders remain closed and folk can't travel.  

For current information on border restrictions please follow this link to the Isle of Man Government website https://covid19.gov.im/general-information/travel-advice/

Assuming there are no local Covid 19 restrictions in place the event will run as an Isle of Man 'only' promotion. However, if the event is cancelled due to IOM Governmement Covid 19 restrictions then all entry fees will be refunded.


TRAVEL PACKAGES

Travel and accommodation can be arranged very simply by contacting 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 

The event is supported by Isle of Man Tourism.

Event Details

Event URN:

481946

Start Date:

Sun, 4th Jul 2021

Event Type:

Cycle Sportive (Non-Competitive)

Venue:

Douglas Rugby Club, Clubhouse And Grounds, Port E Chee Meadow, Douglas, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 2RA

View map

Cheques payable to:

SAS Events

Entry close date

Mon, 28th Jun 2021

Event Website:

Visit Website

British Cycling Grading:

This event has been graded using data collected by Garmin

About the Event

Info for Riders

Entry fee includes:

  • Electronic Timing
  • Goody bag
  • Fully signposted route
  • 4 Feed Zones
  • 3 'broom wagons'
  • 3 Motorcycle 'service course'
  • Victorian train return to Douglas SHORT ROUTE ONLY
  • Massage at finish
  • Special 10th Anniversary Finishers medal

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

ENTRY FEES

  • Full Circle £35
  • Half Circle £29
  • Quarter Circle £22

ENTRIES OPEN ON 1st February 2021

The Rides

4
Full Circle Ride
Date Start Distance BCG Est. Field Size
Sun 04/07/21 08:00 166km / 103 miles 365 600
Entry: On Day: (£40.00)
Sun 04/07/21 – 08:00
4
British Cycling Grading: 365 | Est. Field Size: 600
166km / 103 miles
Semi Circle Ride
Date Start Distance BCG Est. Field Size
Sun 04/07/21 08:00 90km / 56 miles 0 600
Entry: On Day: (£40.00)
Sun 04/07/21 – 08:00
British Cycling Grading: 0 | Est. Field Size: 600
90km / 56 miles
Quarter Circle Ride
Date Start Distance BCG Est. Field Size
Sun 04/07/21 08:00 42km / 26 miles 0 600
Entry: On Day: (£30.00)
Sun 04/07/21 – 08:00
British Cycling Grading: 0 | Est. Field Size: 600
42km / 26 miles

Event Summary

Event Overview

We're excited to be back in action after the cancellation of last years's promotion due to the Coronavirus pandemic!

Sunday 4TH July 2021 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 Play It Forward.  

This is a classic coastal ride circumnavigating the Isle of Man.

Offering you the choice of three ride distances 100+ miles, 57 miles and 28 miles there will be an option to suit riders of all abilities from the leisure cyclist to seasoned professionals.

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

We look forward to welcoming up to 600 riders this year, 450 took part  in 2019. 

E bikes were first allowed to take part in 2018, we would love to see lots more taking on the challenge. We look forward to welcoming all who have been inspired to cycle using this new technology. 

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 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 Mans sporting calendar.

Roll Back the Years

Whatever distance you chose we invite all you admirers of classic bikes and kit to ride the event dressed in your favourite era kit and ride your precious classic/vintage machine.

Ride Your E Bike

If you are new to cycle sport and ride an ebike then this Challenge ride is waiting to welcome you. This category was introduced in 2018 and was welcomed by many who took the chance to take part. Why not come and join the fun? There are more ebikes than 'standard' bikes being sold these days, so we'd really like to welcome more ebike riders to the challenge. 

Full Circle Route

The Full Circle Route takes a clockwise route of the Island covering over 100 miles and over 2000 metres (6800 feet) of climbing.

Heading south to the southernmost tip of the Island at the Sound, 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 2021, 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 riders 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. 

Semi Circle Route

All courses will have the same start and finish at Douglas Rugby Club 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.

Take care! The Semi Circle Route packs in plenty of climbing over its 57 miles and includes the steepest climb of all routes just after the feed zone at St Johns.....just what you don't need on cafe legs!

Quarter Circle

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

For those tackling the short route you finish the hard riding at the Port Erin feed station which is a great strategy for novices as you are not over committing yourself.

When you have enjoyed the delights of the feed station you can make your way to the Railway Station at Port Erin for transport back to Douglas on the Victorian Steam Railway. What a unique way to end a great day out! The entry fee for the short route includes the fare for the train ride. The train station is only 400 metres from the Feed Zone.

The train will deliver you to Douglas Station, situated in the heart of Douglas from where you make your own way back to the official finish which is only 1.5 miles away along the flat Peel Road to Quaterbridge.

Refreshments will be available at the feed stations along the route. The feed stations are legendary and synonymous with this event! Some participants are rumoured to be returning just to visit the feed zones again! We promise 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 10th anniversary medal.

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

St John Ambulance are in mobile attendance to deal with any grazes and scrapes.

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 assist as Marshals, we’re delighted with their commitment and continued involvement with this event. Microgaming have supported this event since its inception so are also celebrating the 10th anniversary edition. 

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'. 

There are hundreds of photographs on Facebook at The Microgaming Lighthouses Challenge by SAS Events.

If you cannot enter on line please contact us by email via the contact page or telephone 0044 7624 475341. We can arrange for 'paper' entry subject to an extra charge. 

IMPORTANT NOTE UNDER 16'S

All riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for their safety and conduct on the road during the event.

ENTRIES CLOSE AT 23.55 ON 28 JUNE 2021 AND ARE LIMITED TO 600.


CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

At the moment entry to the Isle of Man is restricted due to the continuing effects of the pandemic.  In practical terms this means that the event is not available to non-IOM residents AT PRESENT. 

The Isle of Man Government is constantly reviewing the implications of the continuing pandemic and will open the border when appropriate. If you are a non-Isle of Man resident and wish to enter then you are welcome to do so.  If the border remains closed and, as a consequence you are unable to travel to the event, we will refund your entry fee in full. 

Our travel partner IOM Travel Event Services Ltd also have ‘Book with Confidence’ packages for UK visitors so they can make a reservation with a fully refundable deposit should the borders remain closed and folk can't travel.  

For current information on border restrictions please follow this link to the Isle of Man Government website https://covid19.gov.im/general-information/travel-advice/

Assuming there are no local Covid 19 restrictions in place the event will run as an Isle of Man 'only' promotion. However, if the event is cancelled due to IOM Governmement Covid 19 restrictions then all entry fees will be refunded.


TRAVEL PACKAGES

Travel and accommodation can be arranged very simply by contacting 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 

The event is supported by Isle of Man Tourism.

Event Details

Event URN:

481946

Start Date:

Sun, 4th Jul 2021

Event Type:

Cycle Sportive (Non-Competitive)

Venue:

Douglas Rugby Club, Clubhouse And Grounds, Port E Chee Meadow, Douglas, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 2RA

View map

Cheques payable to:

SAS Events

Entry close date

Mon, 28th Jun 2021

Event Website:

Visit Website

British Cycling Grading:

This event has been graded using data collected by Garmin

About the Event

Info for Riders

Entry fee includes:

  • Electronic Timing
  • Goody bag
  • Fully signposted route
  • 4 Feed Zones
  • 3 'broom wagons'
  • 3 Motorcycle 'service course'
  • Victorian train return to Douglas SHORT ROUTE ONLY
  • Massage at finish
  • Special 10th Anniversary Finishers medal

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

ENTRY FEES

  • Full Circle £35
  • Half Circle £29
  • Quarter Circle £22

ENTRIES OPEN ON 1st February 2021

The Rides

4
Full Circle Ride
Date Start Distance BCG Est. Field Size
Sun 04/07/21 08:00 166km / 103 miles 365 600
Entry: On Day: (£40.00)
Sun 04/07/21 – 08:00
4
British Cycling Grading: 365 | Est. Field Size: 600
166km / 103 miles
Semi Circle Ride
Date Start Distance BCG Est. Field Size
Sun 04/07/21 08:00 90km / 56 miles 0 600
Entry: On Day: (£40.00)
Sun 04/07/21 – 08:00
British Cycling Grading: 0 | Est. Field Size: 600
90km / 56 miles
Quarter Circle Ride
Date Start Distance BCG Est. Field Size
Sun 04/07/21 08:00 42km / 26 miles 0 600
Entry: On Day: (£30.00)
Sun 04/07/21 – 08:00
British Cycling Grading: 0 | Est. Field Size: 600
42km / 26 miles

British Cycling Grading

4
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Hard
Entry powered by British Cycling
Registered Sportive

British Cycling Grading

4
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Hard

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