A RECORD number of entries was received for this year’s End to End Mountain Bike Challenge in August.
The challenge, organised by the Manx Mountain Bike Club, attracted 1,400 entries, which was an increase of 300 from the previous year.
A total of 900 of the entries were from outside of the Isle of Man, with applications from as far afield as Israel, Scandinavia and Australia. The surge in entries was accredited to the fact that the 2009 event was shown on Sky TV.
Steve Honeybone, chairman of the End 2 End committee said: "It has become a big event on Europe’s mountain biking calendar. Without doubt the coverage on Sky TV last year made a difference. Once it was broadcast we saw a really big increase in the number of people asking for application forms."
The event became oversubscribed by February and there were 200 riders on the waiting list.
The 46 mile route started at the Point of Ayre and finished at The Sound, and is now rated as one of the best competitions in Europe.
Former Olympian Nick Craig started as hot favourite to win the event, after winning consecutively for the last two years and made it a hat trick with another emphatic ride.
Slower riders took up to seven hours to complete the course. TT Star Guy Martin made a celebrity appearance in the race for the second time this year. The event was sponsored by Sleepwell Hotels and supported by Isle of Man Tourism.
Political Member for Tourism, Geoff Corkish MHK said: "The organisers did a magnificent job in creating a really well run event and clearly the competitors are extremely keen. This is a major success story and Isle of Man Tourism is pleased to support it."
The 2011 event will take place on Sunday September 18.
