Tough test ahead for cyclists

Weather set to be a factor

Seven hundred mountain bikers will compete in the gruelling End to End Challenge on Sunday.

The start is at the Point of Ayre at 9.30am with competitors tackling a variety of terrain ahead of the finish on Port Erin lower promenade.

There's a change of route at the start with a trip through the National Nature Reserve at The Ayres rather than the previous road section.

Organiser Gary Hinds says the positive move has come about thanks to permission being granted by the Manx Government and local landowners:-