The Dandara Group will sponsor the inaugural ‘Port Erin Cycling Kermesse’ taking place on closed roads on Saturday 25th July.

The event is being organised by SAS Events with the aim of providing a fun, family-friendly evening of entertainment and competition. The programme will get underway at 6pm with a unique opportunity for anyone with a bike, including children, to enjoy a gentle tour of the closed-roads course alongside those competing in the races later on.

The circuit will start on Station Road with cyclists travelling east, before turning left at Bridson Street and left again onto Orchard Road. The course will then link back onto Church Road in the direction of the promenade and back around to the start line.

As well as including race categories for youth, senior and veteran riders, there will also be an event for mountain bikes and less-serious competitors, as well as a class called Dooley’s Dash for any non-race bikes such as choppers, shoppers, unicycles and penny farthings!

Dandara marketing director, Joanna Orton, said: ‘We’re delighted to be sponsoring this brand new event, which is firmly focused on bringing the community together to have fun and be entertained. Cycling is a very popular sport in the Isle of Man and this is a great way of getting people of all ages and abilities together, in the spectacular setting of Port Erin, to enjoy riding on closed roads at their own pace.

‘Port Erin has hosted numerous cycling events over the years including International Cycling Week, last held in 2003, a stage of the Isle of Man Youth Tour in 2007 and a round of the Sky Sports Grand Prix Series in the mid-90s. Those events were always very well supported and we’re hoping the Dandara Port Erin Cycling Kermesse will generate the same level of enthusiasm.’

Steve Shimmin of SAS Events continued: ‘The programme of events was designed to offer the chance for everyone to enjoy the sport of cycling, inspired by the Tour de France, which will be nearing its conclusion on the night of the event.

‘We’re grateful to Dandara for its support as well as Port Erin Commissioners, Erin Bike Hut, Franklins and the Port Erin Traders. Without the assistance of generous local sponsors it is impossible to stage events such as this. We look forward working closely with all partners to stage a memorable and exciting event.’

To enter the Dandara Port Erin Cycling Kermesse go to www.sasevents.im or email info@sasevents.im. For more information go to www.facebook.com/saseventsiom. 

Photo - (left to right) Gary Slack, SAS Events; Jason Roberts, Port Erin Commissioners; Steve Franklin, Erin Bike Hut; Angela Beresford, Dandara Group; Ollie Last, SAS Events; Warren Hancox, Erin Bike Hut; Steve Shimmin, SAS Events.