Cycling: Walker wins Gran Fondo

Ruby Oakes tops the female leader board

Zachary Walker won the Isle of Man Gran Fondo title on Sunday 21 July. 

He won comfortably in the end despite crashing twice, with almost eight minutes between him and Will Draper who came in second. 

Walker and Draper were the only riders to complete the event in under four hours with time's of 3:44:51 and 3:52:39 respectively.

Pre-race favourite Tyler Hannay also had an accident and was unfortunately put out of the race.

Ruby Oakes finished in 11th spot and was the first female finisher with a time of 4:17:48. 

Emily Nash crossed the line in second, over 30 minutes behind Oakes. 

The Gran Fondo began on the Isle of Man ten years ago and the 2025 edition was the last to be held on tarmac.

From next year, the challenging 85-mile race will return as a gravel and XC Mountain Bike event.