Places are filling up fast with just a couple of weeks to go before entries close at midnight on Thursday 31st March for the three Isle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank Championship races.

The four-day event includes the opening round of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series on Thursday 12th May. This week organisers confirmed the line up of professional teams that will feature many of the UK’s leading pro cyclists including Olympic stars. On Friday 13th the enthusiastic amateurs get the chance to race with schools, local disability groups, a social ride out and an open amateur team time trial all following in the inspiring wheel tracks of the professionals.

The two-day Isle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank Championship opens on the morning of Saturday 14th May with the technical Battle of Sky Hill Mountain Bike race, which will start and finish at event hub at Milntown Estate. Saturday afternoon’s action moves to a closed road section of the TT course with the Storm the Tower fuelled by Isle of Man Creamery Hill Climb – a 1.5 mile hill climb that finishes with stunning coastal views 700 metres above sea level.

The competitive racing closes with Sunday’s Blue Riband event – the round Island 80 mile Gran Fondo. With over 6500ft of climbing and the opportunity to race on closed roads around some of the best scenery in the British Isles, the Gran Fondo is expected to quickly become an established part of the cycling calendar with leader jerseys for men’s, women’s and Junior racers, a King and Queen of the Mountains competition across the three main Gran Fondo climbs and a ?10,000 prize fund up for grabs.

Individual entries for the Gran Fondo are priced at ?47.00 for Competition (TLI Members) and Challenge riders with the Battle of Sky Hill Mountain Bike Race and Storm the Tower Hill Climb both priced at ?17.50 (?12.50 Juniors aged 14 or 15 on date of race).

Alternatively competitors can receive a discount by entering all three races for the Championship price of ?72.50 (?57.50 Juniors).

All competitors receive a free weekend pass to the Milntown Festival, which features the best of the Island’s food and music as well as stunt riders and family entertainment.

Cycling Plus Magazine is the latest UK title to endorse the event, putting it in the top eight events to do in the UK in 2016 describing the Gran Fondo as ‘part of a blockbuster weekend of cycling’ and highlighting the unique chance to take part in closed road racing in one of two genuine Gran Fondo’s in the UK. The feature goes on to describe the event as ‘the perfect fit for such a cycling-crazy island’.

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to enter please don't delay and select the following link now www.iomcyclefest.com.