Huge interest in Manx End-2-End race

Almost 1,400 riders started the race in 2010 with 1,005 finishing

Over 1,000 cyclists have registered for the Manx End-2-End mountain bike challenge within the first 24 hours of entry opening.

Almost 1,400 riders took on the testing 46-mile challenge in 2010, which sees cyclists ride from one end of the island to the other.

Organiser, Steve Honeybone said: "We were expecting a record but to receive over 1,000 on day one is incredible."

The event is scheduled to be held on Sunday 18 September.

"We are very proud," added Honeybone.

"The committee has worked very hard to establish this as a premier event in the British mountain bike calendar and I believe that the current rate of entries proves that has been achieved.

Nick Craig won last year's race to complete a hat-trick of wins

"It is a testament not only to the committee but also to all of the helpers and sponsors that have stood by the event over the years, who very unselfishly help the event year on year.

"They should all take pride in what has been achieved."

As yet the event's organising committee has not put a limit on numbers for the 2011 event.

Honeybone continued: "The rate at which the bookings are being made has slowed down a little, so we are going to watch and wait until 1400 have registered and then make a call.

"We are not sure if the course will change yet."

At 1500 GMT on Wednesday 2 February the figure was nearing 1,300.

The race began 14 years ago, when a group of friends cycled across the island for fun, and now attracts riders from all over the world.

In 2010, Nick Craig won his third consecutive title in two hours 57 minutes and 20 seconds, with 1,005 cyclists completing the race.