Isle of Man Cycling Events in 2022
With spring on the horizon, what better time to polish off those cycling shoes, pump up those tyres and revisit your riding wardrobe.
The Isle of Man is the perfect all year-round cycling destination, offering a diverse range of terrain including off-road trails spanning plantations, glens, and extensive coastal cycleways to challenge the most experienced of cyclists. Along with plenty of quiet scenic country lanes for those that prefer to go at their own pace.
Cycling is a hugely popular sport on the Island, having nurtured many past and present professional cycling champions over the years, and plays host to a variety of annual cycling events and tournaments, ranging from amateur to professional.
Whether you’re a keen rider, a cycling enthusiast, or simply enjoy watching the sport, here’s a round-up of what’s on the cycling calendar for 2022.
Cycle 360 Mountain Bike (MTB) Series
Series of dates: 3rd April, 2nd May, 12th June, 31st July and 18th September 2022
The Cycle 360 MTB Series is a mass start cross country mountain bike event, based across a mix of the Island’s woodland plantations. With a range of varying trails, the event is fun for both novices and serious mountain bikers and is newcomer friendly.
Kicking off at the South Barrule plantation on the 3rd April, the series will run until mid-September.
Isle of Man Cycle Tours Sportives
15th April 2022
Taking place on Easter’s Good Friday, the annual Isle of Man Cycle Tours Sportive consists of four courses varying between 40km and 122km long, all starting and finishing at the Mountain View Innovation Centre in Ramsey. With major climbs across some of the Island’s most spectacular scenery, including Druidale, Slieau Whallian and the infamous Sloc.
The mass participation event is designed to cater for all abilities and type of rider, including e-bikers. Why not get your Easter bank holiday weekend off to an active start? The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company offers a range of short break sailing options and offers during the Easter period.
The Isle of Man Youth and Junior Tour
29th April – 1st May 2022
The Isle of Man Youth and Junior Tour is the most prestigious event for young cyclists in Britain, with three days of highly competitive stage racing on the Island’s iconic roads – the very training ground of Tour de France sprint legend Mark Cavendish and London Olympic Gold Medallist Peter Kennaugh, amongst others.
The series, which takes place across the UK, will be visiting the Island at the end of April and is a great spectacle to behold, with many of Great Britain’s finest young riders honing their skills on some of the most demanding of roads.
Longest Day Longest Ride
25th – 26th June 2022
The Longest Day Longest Ride, is a 24-hour mountain bike endurance challenge held during the Summer Solstice. Starting at the idyllic Conrhenny Plantation, the course is relatively short, but designed to offer a variety of terrains, including wide forest roads, sweeping single tracks and boardwalks, while providing some of the best views of the Island’s surrounding countryside.
Testing physical fitness, stamina and mental will, the event is open to all abilities including recreational riders and cross-country pros.
Zurich Isle of Man Lighthouses Challenge
3rd July 2022
One of the Island’s premier cycling events, the Zurich Isle of Man Lighthouses Challenge, is a full circle route covering over 160km, and 7,500ft of climbing. The event has several shorter routes, including a quarter circle route which is perfect for leisure cyclists, families, and novices and includes a medal, meal, and steam train ride back to the Island’s capital.
Taking in some of the Island’s most majestic coastal scenery, including ancient ruins, rugged terrain and challenging inclines, the route is perfect is for all abilities, is a great day out, and all in aid of Cruse Bereavement Care.
Fancy the challenge? Take a look at the Steam Packet Holidays fantastic range of ferry and accommodation package deals for the event, starting from just £100 for two nights for two adult foot passengers. Don’t forget, bicycles travel for free!
Cycle 360 2 Day Enduro
9th – 10th July 2022
The Cycle 360 Manx MTB Enduro 2 Day Enduro consists of two 32km circular routes, spread across 10 unique stages over a two-day period, and is ideal for the experienced mountain biker looking for a new challenge.
The event’s route provides participants (and spectators!) a perfect opportunity to see some of the Isle of Man’s best natural and manmade biking trails. Live timings are announced at the finish line at St. Johns, along with a mix of live music, beers, and burgers – a great day out for all age ranges.
Gran Fondo Isle of Man
16th – 17th July 2022
One of the Island’s largest sporting events, Gran Fondo Isle of Man, is a true test of legs and lungs, and one that rewards participants with an epic 137km of challenging riding across stunning inland and coastal terrains. Featuring extensive closed roads riding experiences for all ages and abilities, the Fondo comprises of four separate cycling challenges, all starting and finishing at the picturesque Mooragh Park in Ramsey.
Packed with the Island’s toughest climbs, competitors will be faced with 25% gradients as they conquer each classic ascent – stunning vistas the only reward before plunging towards the sea that flanks those killer hills!
This year’s event is set to return on 16-17th July 2022. If you fancy a change of scenery this summer, and a challenge to remember, check out our fantastic range of ferry and accommodation package deals for the two-day event, starting from just £100 for two nights for two adult foot passengers.
Isle of Man Cycle Challenge (CC)
25th September 2022
The Isle of Man CC sportive follows the 60.72km course of the world-renowned Isle of Man TT races – a real chance to ride this historic tarmac and enjoy a mix of ever-changing scenery including rural pastures and sweeping views across the Irish Sea, with the highlight being Snaefell Mountain.
The event organisers are also now running a non-stop ultra-cycling challenge, for those looking to achieve as many laps of the TT Mountain Course as they can in 24 hours! Open to solo riders and relay teams of up to 12 people, both events are guaranteed to be a great atmosphere for everyone involved.
Manx 100
September 2022 (exact date to be confirmed)
The Manx 100 is the only 100-mile endurance mountain bike event in the UK. With four routes ranging between 50km and 200km to choose from, the event is both challenging and exhilarating in equal measure! Starting and finishing at the iconic TT Grandstand in the heart of Douglas, the event covers near enough every aspect of the Island and includes an e-bike 50km sportive.
Take a look at our Special Offers and book your ferry travel for one of the Isle of Man’s vast array of exciting cycling events today by heading to www.steam-packet.com. Don’t forget, bicycles travel for free!
Alternatively, why not explore our other great ferry and package deals, by visiting Steam Packet Holidays.
Please note that some events may be affected by COVID-19. It is recommended to check any communications issued by the event organisers before booking travel. For the most recent updates on travel restrictions to the Isle of Man, head to the Isle of Man Government’s website.