Online entry is now open for the Appleby Sportive, which returns in May.

The Appleby Sportive, which will take place on 1 May, starts and finishes at the Ramsey Rugby Club and consists of four timed options on different courses ranging in length from 38km to 118km. The Sportive includes routes not normally used in local cycling events and features more than 1500m of ascent.

The Sportive, now in its 8th year, is supported by Appleby as part of the firm’s ongoing sponsorship of the Ellan Vannin Cycling Club (EVCC), which includes the provision of Appleby-branded cycling kits for the club and also supports the Appleby Youth Circuit Championship.

Caren Pegg, Partner in the Dispute Resolution department and member of the Appleby Charitable Foundation, said: “The Appleby Sportive is part of our commitment to assisting the development of sport in the Isle of Man and sits at the heart of our corporate social responsibility. It is a popular community event enjoyed by both participants and spectators, and we are delighted to see the event grow year on year.”

Despite challenging weather, last year’s sportive saw 88 riders take part with some personal best finishing times recorded including Jason O’Connor who completed the 100km course in 3hrs 22mins 52secs and Hannah Heselton, who completed the 38km course in 1hrs 28mins 24secs.

Richard Fletcher, Chairman of EVCC, added: “We are looking forward to this year’s Sportive, which is shaping up to be one of the best yet. I would like to thank Appleby for its continued sponsorship and assistance in organising such fantastic events which encourage people to get involved in cycling.”

Full details about the Appleby Sportive and entry forms are available at www.ellanvannin.cc.
 
Photo: Action from the 2016 Appleby Sportive. Photos courtesy of Rob Quine.