Cycling: 2023 Zurich Lighthouses Challenge being held this weekend

Popular event heading to Castletown for two days

This weekend sees the return of a popular Island cycling event which for 2023 will be hosted in the ancient capital of Mann.

The Zurich Lighthouses Challenge will take place in Castletown across Saturday and Sunday (1-2 July) starting with the new family-friendly 'Pedal Party' event.

As part of it, people of all ages are encouraged to bring their bikes of any type to enjoy a casual ride around closed roads in Castletown free of charge.

The next day (2 July) will be the Zurich Lighthouses Challenge in which those taking part will get the chance to test themselves on a choice of three different courses.

There will be the 20-mile Quarter Circle; 50-mile Half Circle and 100-mile Full Circle routes which will all start and finish in Castletown Square.

This year's event will also be run in support of Manx mental health charity, Isle Listen.

Isle of Man Cycling Development Officer, Rob Holden, explains what they're hoping the challenge will achieve this year: