The early morning Bank Holiday Monday start on the tough 100km course didn’t deter over 100 hopeful participants in the 2014 Appleby Sportive.

Jointly hosted by Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC and the Ellan Vannin Cycling Club, the event consists of a timed 100km ride starting and finishing at the Mooragh Park Ramsey, with over 1,500m of ascent including the climbs of Druidale and Slieau Whallian that offer fantastic views around the Island and its coast.

This year saw local rider Steve Franklin complete the 100km course in an impressive 3:01:59 whilst Simon Skillicorn and Gary Johnston were just seconds behind him, completing in 03:02:13 and 03:02:55 respectively. Kate Burge took the top spot in the women’s category, with her time of 3:33:33.

Event organiser Richard Fletcher of the Ellan Vannin Cycling Club said: "Congratulations to everyone who took part this year. We had some exceptionally strong riders who, despite the strong head winds, should be extremely pleased with their efforts.”

He continued, “I would also like to thank our sponsors Appleby for their continued support leading up to, and on, the day. All of the funds raised will now be reinvested into the Appleby Youth Circuit Championships which will take place on Saturday 26 July at Jurby Race Track and we hope to see as many of you as possible turn out to support the Island’s future cycling talent.”

Managing Partner of Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC, Sean Dowling added: ‘It is great to see the Appleby Sportive go from strength to strength. It is a unique event for all abilities and it was great to see such a range of talent.”

He continued, “Next year we will be working with Richard and the team at EVCC to raise the profile of the event further and hope to incorporate a few more challenges as the riders continue to exceed their personal bests each year.”

Next up is the Appleby Youth Circuit Championships on Saturday 26 July at the Jurby Autodrome Kart Circuit, a fast and exciting race for 6 to 16 year olds with music, race prizes and refreshments available. Spectators are also welcome. Practice will get under way from 5:30pm with racing to begin at 6:00pm. Please contact Steve Shimmin (475341) for further details or visit www.ellanvannin.cc.