Off-road route revealed for reinvented Gran Fondo

A new off road route has been revealed for a mass cycling event on the Isle of Man.

Gran Fondo Isle of Man, which has for the past 10 years been held on closed roads, will now run over 60 miles (97km) on "constantly changing terrain" from Ramsey to Port Erin, organisers have said.

Key sectors include Ballacorey Farm, The Curraghs, The Railway Line, Eary Cushlin, Seven Gates and Surby, with the finale running over Bradda Head before the clifftop descent opens out across Port Erin Bay where the race ends.

Organisers said the new route "marks the start of a bold new chapter" and reflects the island's "unique terrain, character, and riding culture."

From forest roads to green lanes, historic railway lines to technical off-road sectors, it was a "route shaped by the island itself," they continued.

The event, which takes place on 25 and 26 July, would see riders compete in two classes, the Gran Fondo Gravel race and the Gran Fondo cross country mountain bike race.

It would also see the return of Minisculo Fondo, which is an hour of riding on a fully closed half-mile tarmac loop around Mooragh Park, aimed at younger riders and beginners.

Organisers have previously said the new off-road race had taken inspiration from the former End2End Mountain Bike Challenge, which had run through the island's plantations for 19 years until 2019.

Entries for the event open on 25 February.

"The course showcases the island's diversity, passing through working farmland, protected wetlands, historic infrastructure, forest plantations, open moorland, and coastal headlands," organisers added.

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