Lighthouse Challenge Moves to Castletown

Entries are now open for the 2023 Zurich Lighthouses Challenge.

The 2023 event will take place on Sunday, 2 July, in support of Isle Listen.

The start and finish of the 2023 event is moving to Castletown Square. The move to the island’s historic capital is part of several changes that organisers say ‘are aimed at making the challenge, which attracts hundreds of cyclists each year, more accessible for riders of all abilities’.

There will be three routes to choose from, allowing individuals to pick the challenge that suits them. The longest course is the Full Circle, which is 100 miles and can be ridden as an individual or as part of a team relay. There is also a 50-mile Half Circle route as well as a 20-mile Quarter Circle route, which is sponsored by Zurich Lighthouses Challenge digital partner, Dot Performance. The Quarter Circle starts and finishes in Castletown Square, and it takes in a loop of the south of the island.

In addition to the route changes, Zurich Lighthouses Challenge is delighted to confirm a new partnership with Cycle360, which will be the event’s official Cycle Partner. As part of this partnership, there will be several activities aimed at supporting anyone planning to take part in the event. This will include friendly and educational sessions on bike maintenance and nutrition, and advice on how to prepare yourself for long rides. There will also be regular coffee club social rides to help people prepare.

Finally, a new event, ‘Pedal Party’ is also scheduled to take place on Saturday, 1 July – the day before the Zurich Lighthouses Challenge, aimed at children, families, and anyone that wants to ride in a safe place. Pedal Party will be hosted on closed roads around Castletown and is free to enter for all level of cyclists. Local bike shops will be on hand during the event to offer advice and help with trying out new bikes, alongside coaches and the Isle of Man Road Safety team.

Castletown Commissioner, Colin Leather MBE said: ‘The Commissioners are pleased and honoured that the Lighthouse Challenge cycle event will be coming to the ancient capital in 2023. It endorses the Commissioners policy of attracting events to the town to increase footfall and help with the regeneration of Castletown.’

Ollie Last, Event Director added: ‘As a non-competitive event there’s something for everyone from those who are regular cyclists to those looking to take part in their first event. Moving to Castletown presents a great opportunity to enhance the social side of the event with the fantastic backdrop of Castletown square where we will create a family friendly environment with activities for people to enjoy after the ride.’

For more information on the event and how to enter go to the Lighthouses Challenge website
www.lighthouseschallenge.im

Photo credit: Will Oats/Dot Performance