Zurich Lighthouses Challenge entries well up on last year

Around 200 cyclists have entered the 2023 Zurich Lighthouses Challenge cycling sportive – that’s double the number at this time last year. There is still time to sign-up at www.lighthouseschallenge.im for the annual event which takes place on Sunday July 2nd. Organisers say it looks like 2023 will be a bumper year for entries, so it’s best to sign-up ASAP if you want to avoid missing out on one of the Island’s most popular mass participation sports events.

Entry 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. All entrants also get access to the pre-event Pedal Party on July 1st.

To help cyclists prepare for the big day a free to attend ‘Mindset & Nutrition Masterclass’ evening (7pm to 8.45pm) is being held at Cycle 360 on May 3rd. Health and fitness experts Phil Quirk and Martin Malone will share their knowledge to help cyclists of all abilities. Phil will focus on proven habits that will improve your mindset – Martin’s talk will explain the fundamentals of good nutrition. The Cycle 360 café will be open for food and drinks. Click here for full details (please use the link to register in advance if you wish to attend).

As has done for over 10 years, the Zurich Lighthouses Challenge is attracting riders from on and off-Island ranging from leisure cyclists and eBikers to professional racers. There are three brand new courses this year (covering 17, 51 and 100 miles) to suit all abilities. For the first time in its history the start and finish area will be in Castletown Square, and there will be a Pedal Party on Saturday July 1st to allow families to ride together on closed roads around the Island’s ancient capital, and learn new skills from expert cycling and road safety instructors.

Earlier this year Zurich on the Isle of Man confirmed it’s sponsorship for the 2023 event, following on from the company becoming title sponsor in 2022. The leading life insurance firm’s support is part of its local and global commitments to sustainability, active travel, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, and supporting events which engage with local communities. This year’s event will raise funds for Isle Listen which is a charitable initiative that has a long association with Zurich on the Isle of Man (including a three year collaboration – in partnership with the Z Zurich Foundation – which began in the autumn of 2020).

In addition to the event’s title sponsor, the Zurich Lighthouses Challenge organising team are also grateful for support from Castletown Commissioners, Cycle 360 which is the event’s cycle partner, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and Quarter Circle sponsor DotPerformance.

www.lighthouseschallenge.im

www.zurichinternational.com/im