Manx Telecom has extended its sponsorship of the End2End Mountain Bike Challenge for another two years. One of the Island’s biggest and most popular mass participation sports events, the End2End attracts riders of all abilities including an increasing number from overseas. Manx Telecom became title sponsor in 2013 as part of a three year deal, and this has now been extended until 2017. The 2016 race will be on Sunday September 11.

David Smith, Manx Telecom Marketing Director, commented: “Supporting such great community and sporting events is very important to us and our staff. We have been very proud to be the title sponsor of the End2End Mountain Bike Challenge, and are pleased to continue our association with the race for another two years. The support we provide is not only financial, it’s also in the form of technical and marketing expertise which helps the organisers to grow the event. Thanks to the hard work of the organising committee and volunteers over many years, the End2End has become not only a popular event for local riders, but also as a fantastic attraction for visitors. We’re already looking forward to some exciting announcements about the 20th anniversary event in the coming months.”

The End2End, which began in 1996, starts at the Point of Ayre and features a 46 mile route covering roads, tracks and trails. The exact route and finish location has changed slightly over the years, but the course has always retained the tough climbs and challenging descents which make it so popular. This year the finish location returned to Port Erin which made for a spectacular final few miles for the 1,100 or so riders taking part.

Kate Evans, Chairperson of the End2End organising committee, said: “The End2End Committee are delighted to have Manx Telecom on board for another two years. Their support has been tremendous over these past three years and the event has developed quite considerably during this period, with two new sections being built from scratch, and a totally new finish this year. Also, during this period the End2End has developed and funded the End2End Legacy which develops and supports local community developments.”

Entries for the 2016 event will open before Christmas on a date yet to be fixed - but all the details will be posted on www.manxe2e.org in due course. In addition to the End2End Mountain Bike Race, Manx Telecom is also the main sponsor of the Parish Walk, and Tough Mann Adventure Challenge.

Photo - Ben Thomas on his way to victory in the 2015 Manx Telecom End2End Mountain Bike Challenge. Photo by John Sweetman.