eBikers, families & leisure cyclists all welcome at Zurich Lighthouses Challenge

Zurich Lighthouses Challenge organisers are encouraging eBikers, commuters and leisure cyclists to sign up soon for the event on Sunday 3rd July.

Over the past 10 years it has attracted thousands of riders of all abilities from on and off-Island. With Zurich on the Isle of Man on board this year as the title sponsor it is entering an exciting new era, says organiser Ollie Last.

“The Zurich Lighthouses Challenge continues to offer distances that suit all types of cyclists, with routes that are designed to represent a challenge! We’re keen to encourage anyone with an interest in cycling to take part who may not have taken part in an organised ride before. The shortest of the three routes that riders can do – the 26-mile Quarter Circle p/b DotPerformance – is ideal for beginners because it’s an achievable goal with a ride from Douglas to Port Erin designed for cyclists that may be new to this type of challenge. There will be lots of first-timers on the start line, and the great thing about events like this is that riders support one another to help everyone get to the finish. So if you’ve always thought about taking part in a big event, now’s your chance! Quarter Circle entry includes a train ride back to Douglas, and of course there are medals for all finishers. For those riders who get the ‘cycling bug’ after crossing the line it will be the first of many medals!”

To enter go to www.lighthouseschallenge.im. You can also find all the latest event news on Facebook. Riders aged under 16 can take part as long as they are accompanied by an adult during the event. In addition to the Quarter Circle there are two routes for those looking for more of a challenge – a 57-mile Half Circle route, and the main 100-mile Full Circle. All three take in some of the Island’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Entry for all riders includes a fully signposted route, feed stations, T-shirt, medal, post ride massage and electronic timing. Riders will also be supported by a motorcycle ‘service course’ team who provide help with mechanical problems, plus there’s a ‘broom wagon’ to sweep up anyone who can’t complete the ride.

The 2022 Zurich Lighthouses Challenge will raise funds for Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man, the charity which provides vital support for families and friends who have lost loved ones. Every pound raised will be match funded (up to a maximum of £50,000) by the Z Zurich Foundation which is a charitable foundation funded by various members of the Zurich Insurance Group. Funds for Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man are also being raised from a prize draw which includes the chance to win a Giant Stance eBike (donated by Tevir Group and supplied by Bikestyle) worth over £3,000. For de-tails go to the Zurich Lighthouses Challenge Facebook page, or click here.

Bruce Pearson, CEO, Zurich International Life Ltd, said: “The Zurich Lighthouses Challenge is a great example of how mass participation events can inspire people to take up or do more exercise by set-ting themselves personal goals. Encouraging more people to cycle for transport and fitness is also part of our sustainability commitment, so the Lighthouses Challenge is aligned to our strategic goals to reduce our carbon footprint and promote active travel too.”

Zurich Lighthouses Challenge organisers thank Zurich and the Z Zurich Foundation, Department for Enterprise and DotPerformance for supporting the event.

www.zurichinternational.com/im

Celebrating the launch of the 2022 Zurich Lighthouses Challenge are (left to right) Bruce Pearson, CEO, Zurich International Life Ltd; Serena Wood, Isle of Man Community Champion for the Z Zurich Foundation and a keen cyclist; professional cyclist Mark Christian; and Ollie Last, Zurich Lighthouses Challenge event organiser.