The first Port Erin Cycling Kermesse, sponsored by the Dandara Group, proved a huge success, with more than 100 riders competing for victory on the closed roads.

Organised by SAS Events, Saturday’s kermesse was a mix of racing and fun rides through the streets creating a family-friendly evening of entertainment and competition.

The races, which included categories for adults, youngsters aged six to 16 and mountain bikers, attracted 114 entries and produced some fierce competition, not least in the Senior race which saw Owen Dudley cross the finish line just 0.012 of a second ahead of Nick Corlett.

The Port Erin Cycling Kermesse also hosted a contest for ‘weekend warriors’, or riders who normally feature in the middle order of races, and the first women-only race seen in the Island outside international competition for many years.

It wasn’t all about racing though, as the Community Challenge saw a big turnout of bicycles ridden by all ages and abilities. The fun events also proved popular as Purple Helmets, cycling nuns and even Charlie Chaplin took to the course, with spectators treated to the sight of unicycles, tandems, vintages cycles and a Penny Farthing being ridden through Port Erin.

Dandara marketing director Joanna Orton said: ‘It was wonderful to see the community come together to enjoy the first Port Erin Cycling Kermesse. The number of race entries reflects just how popular cycling is in the Isle of Man, and this event gave riders of all ages and abilities the chance to compete on closed roads, and produce some thrilling action.

‘From the experienced racers in the Senior contest to the enthusiastic children competing across four youth categories, everyone was riding hard and, most importantly, having great fun.’

She added: ‘What made the event truly special was the opportunity for the community to get involved, and they didn’t disappoint. There were so many unusual cycles and hilarious costumes, everyone really entered into the spirit and it was brilliant to see so many people riding around the closed roads for fun.

‘I’d like to congratulate the team from SAS Events and everyone who took part, as well as the people of Port Erin for giving the kermesse their support.’

Steve Shimmin of SAS Events added: ‘Putting the event together was a lot of hard teamwork led by Ollie Last, and only possible thanks to the commitment of our sponsor Dandara and support from Port Erin Commissioners, Erin Bike Hut, Franklins, Whistle Stop Cafe, Robinsons, Heron and Brearley, Beautiful Blooms, JCK and the Port Erin Traders.

‘We were really pleased by the turnout and the quality of the racing across all categories, and it was great to see so many people joining in the fun events and really getting involved. I think the kermesse exceeded our expectations and showed there is a real appetite for this sort of cycling event, bringing racers and the community together.’

If you would like to see more photos from the Dandara Port Erin Cycling Kermesse, you can visit www.facebook.com/saseventsiom. 

Photo - Steve Franklin from Erin Bike Hut and Dandara representative Natalie Jackson with Dandara Port Erin Cycling Kermesse Under 10s and Under 8s race winners (from left) Callum Howard, Cian Jackson, Mairi Harrison, Ferne Bregazzi, Orry Lund, Myles Le Geyt, Niall Colquitt and Ivan Sorby.