Offshore law firm Appleby has announced a three-year deal to support the Ellan Vannin Cycle Club and sponsored the inaugural Appleby Sportive, a 100km cycle ride on Manx roads, which took place recently and raised ?750 for the Hyperbaric Chamber. Ellan Vannin Cycle Club Chairman, Richard Fletcher, commented: “I am so pleased that Appleby is supporting the Club in this way. The Appleby Sportive was something new for the Isle of Man and was open to both experienced club and recreational cyclists. The event started and finished at Ramsey Rugby Club, taking in Bride, Ballaugh, Little London, Tynwald Mills, Slieau Whallian, Glen Maye, Peel, Kirk Michael, Jurby Cronk and Andreas along the way – it was quite the challenge! It attracted interest both on and off the island and was such a great success that we will be making this an annual event.” Richard went on to describe how the Appleby Sportive has raised money for local charity, the Hyperbaric Chamber. “After costs, the event raised just over ?500 for this worthwhile cause; Appleby then very generously boosted the amount to ?750 which, jointly, we were delighted to present to the Chamber.” Managing Partner of Appleby Isle of Man, Sean Dowling, said, “As part of our continuing commitment to supporting the local community and sports development on the Isle of Man, I am delighted that we have this new sponsorship deal with Ellan Vannin Cycle Club. Cycling is hugely popular and high-profile here on the Isle of Man, thanks to the interest in Mark Cavendish and our other Manx talent, so it’s a very exciting time for Appleby to become associated with the sport. It’s great to hand over new Appleby-branded jerseys and shorts to Club members.” Ends