Competitors in the Storm the Tower Hill Climb, part of Isle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank, are being challenged to ‘rise to the top’ by Isle of Man Creamery, who have been confirmed as an official sponsor.

Isle of Man Cyclefest runs from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th May 2016 with the Storm the Tower powered by Isle of Man Creamery hill climb taking place on Saturday 14th. The event will see competitors tackle Cyclefest’s unique take on the traditional British Hill Climb as competitors ride a section of the iconic TT Motorcycle Course.

Held over 1.5 miles of this world-famous ribbon of tarmac, cyclists will power themselves in lung-bursting fashion from the start line at Barrule Park, Ramsey up past the Albert Tower, built to commemorate the visit of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, through to the finish line at the famous Gooseneck, 700ft above sea level, with stunning views of Ramsey and both England and Scotland across the sea.

Competitors will experience an average gradient of almost 12% while competing for the race win, battling for points in the overall Isle of Man Cyclefest Championship or just pitting themselves against the stopwatch in the solo time trial format race.

The Isle of Man Creamery business can trace its origins back almost a hundred years, and is well known for its award winning cheeses, milk, cream and butter products as well as its strong community involvement.

As part of its involvement in Cyclefest, , Isle of Man Creamery will be in attendance at the Festival village at the Milntown Estate to offer information and samples of its products to competitors and spectators, and its branding will feature prominently around the Cyclefest courses.

Findlay MacLeod, Managing Director, Isle of Man Creamery, commented:

“We are delighted to be associated with the inaugural Isle of Man Cyclefest. It promises to be a fantastic community event with something for all the family as well as the more serious athletes amongst us. The event will also give us the perfect platform to promote some of the health and performance benefits of milk and our other dairy products.”

He continued:

“Milk is probably not perceived as a performance drink but it actually outstrips many of the glamorous products in terms of benefits. The calcium and vitamin D in milk contribute to health bones and teeth, help rehydrate during and after exercise and by improving vitamin intake you improve energy levels and muscle repair and growth.”

Rob Holden, Ambassador, Isle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank, commented:

“It’s great to have Isle of Man Creamery on board as a partner. The Milk Race Tour of Britain was the biggest race in the UK for over 4 decades so the association between cycling and milk is very strong. I was fortunate to be part of its history finishing 2nd overall and winning a stage in the early nineties.”

“Competitors in the Storm the Tower powered by Isle of Man Creamery are going to face the challenge of the steepest part of the famous Snaefell Mountain. Although it is only a mile and a half some big time gains can be made especially as riders competing in all 3 Cyclefest events will have ridden the Battle of Sky Hill the same day. Refuelling and hydration is going to be crucial if riders are to get the best out of themselves over the Cyclefest weekend. Research has shown that milk is a great, inexpensive and effective way of hydrating and recovering giving the right balance of protein, carbs as well as amino acids.”

Entries are now open for all three Isle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank races; the ‘Storm the Tower powered by Isle of Man Creamery, the Battle of Sky Hill Mountain Bike Race and the Gran Fondo presented by Isle of Man Bank. Competitors can enter individual races or there is a discount for entering all three races. There will also be the opportunity for teams and individuals of all ages to experience the Mooragh Park Pearl Izumi course in a series of town centre crit races and fun rides.

For more information and race entries go to www.iomcyclefest.com.