Cycling: 'Real risk' over MTB events in 2026, says club

Urgent appeal for volunteers to help run events this year

An Island cycling organisation says there's currently a 'real risk' it won't be able to run any senior mountain bike, cross-country or gravel cycling events on the Isle of Man in 2026.

Manx Viking Wheelers Cycling Club (MVWC) is issuing an urgent appeal for volunteers to help run events this year as well as get people's views on the future of the sport at a meeting next week.

Last year, Manx Viking Wheelers Cycling Club merged with the Manx MTB & Gravel Association to run meetings, however the club says the situation 'has not materialised as hoped.'

MVWC's Treasurer and one of its Directors, Niall Quiggin, says these races are vital for competitors throughout the year:

In a message posted on social media this week, MVWC says the main threat to events in 2026, as it stands, is 'a lack of volunteer availability.'

As a result, the club is inviting anyone with an interest in the future of cross-country and gravel racing locally to attend its latest committee meeting which will take place on Wednesday, 18 February, at 6.30pm at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.

The club adds there's 'no expectation or obligation for anyone attends', but instead is 'simply an opportunity for members to share their views, ideas, and suggestions on how off-road events might be delivered going forward.'