CONDITIONS were near perfect for today’s End2End Mountain Bike Challenge as a record 1,700 riders competed on a 42 mile course from one end of the Isle of Man to the other.

Large numbers of spectators were also to be seen along the route which traverses the centre of the Island, taking in some steep climbs and narrow tracks.

However, this has become an event which is always over-subscribed with the limit of 1,700 riders being achieved easily way back in February.

This year’s race saw a few alterations to improve the event, including a staggered start with 100 of the top riders beginning the race before the main pack of 1,600.

There was also a slight change in the route, with the riders being diverted along the Ballacrye Road in Ballaugh to avoid the congestion which has blocked Ballaugh village in recent years.

Organisers are already planning next year’s event, scheduled for September 9th, and are considering the introduction of some additional biking events to turn the End2End into a weekend festival.

Results will be published later on isleofman.com

Photos by Bill Dale