
One of the Island's great mass participation sporting events takes place today (Sun 9th)
The Manx Telecom End to End Mountain Bike Challenge gets underway at 10am from the Point of Ayre.
1700 riders, from elite athletes to enthusiastic weekend riders, will tackle the 75km course which runs through a mixture of roads, plantations and moorland paths down to the finish at Cregneash.
There have been some changes to the course this year. Ballaugh plantation is not being used due to Ash dieback and a new trail at Arrasey is being used for the first time.
Last year's winner Eliot Baxter says despite the changes, he still expects it to be a tough race
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