Sleepwell Hotels is pleased to announce its ongoing support for the Isle of Man Youth Cycling Tour, the prestigious three day annual event which this year takes place from Friday 29th April to Sunday 1st May.

The event is part of British Cycling’s Youth Circuit Series and Junior Road Race Series, attracting up and coming young cyclists between the ages of 5 to 18 from across the UK and Europe, including a traditionally strong Dutch team. Competitors experience riding on the Manx roads that have been the training ground of home-grown professionals such as Peter Kennaugh and Mark Cavendish.

The Tour begins with a time trial on Douglas promenade on Friday for all riders, followed by road racing in Peel on the Saturday for Juniors and around Marown for Youth riders. Both sets of riders finish with races in Ramsey on the Sunday followed by a celebration dinner and prize presentation at the Villa Marina on Sunday evening.

Sleepwell Hotels has supported the event for over 10 years, providing financial backing, logistical support, subsidised accommodation for officials, riders and families, and catering for around 600 guests at the presentation gala dinner.

Managing Director of Sleepwell Hotels Mark Wilson says the impact of such events on the Isle of Man should not be underestimated: “As well as offering our own young cyclists the opportunity to compete on home turf with their counterparts from the UK and Europe, the Isle of Man Youth Tour attracts hundreds of visitors, who in turn bring their family and friends. For many, this is a first visit to the Isle of Man and great opportunity for all of us engaged in the visitor economy to ensure these visitors leave having enjoyed a positive experience and encouraged to return again in the near future.

“We are delighted to again be involved with the event which is always impeccably organised. It is also hugely rewarding for everyone involved to help bring through new generations of cyclists where even at such a young age, the passion and determination of these riders to succeed can be clearly seen. Along with the return of professional road racing to the Island this year, the Sleepwell Hotels Youth Tour is also a great opportunity to showcase the Island as a leading international cycling destination.”

For more information, visit the event website http://www.iomyouthtour.com/.  

Photo - Taken at last year’s event.