Sleepwell Hotels continues support of young cyclists
Sleepwell Hotels is pleased to announce its ongoing support for the Isle of Man Youth Cycling Tour. The prestigious three-day annual event takes place this Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 4th May to Sunday 6th May.
The event is part of British Cyclings Youth Circuit Series and Junior Road Race Series, attracting up and coming young cyclists between the ages of 5 to 18 from across the UK and Europe. Competitors experience riding on the Manx roads that have been the training ground of high profile home-grown professionals such as Tour de France multiple stage winner and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Mark Cavendish and Olympic gold medallist Peter Kennaugh.
This year sees an excellent entry of around 340 riders, including a traditionally strong Dutch contingent. The Tour begins with a prologue time trial on Douglas promenade on Friday evening for all riders, followed by road racing at Jurby on Saturday, and Ellerslie and Billown on the Sunday. The weekend culminates with a celebration dinner and prize presentation for all riders and their supporting families at the Villa Marina on Sunday evening.
Sleepwell Hotels has supported the event for over 10 years, providing financial backing, logistical support, subsidised accommodation for officials, riders and families, and catering for around 600 guests at the presentation evening.
Managing Director of Sleepwell Hotels Mark Wilson says the event is a great opportunity to showcase the Isle of Man, as well as attracting top international competition for local riders.? In this Year of Our Island, there is a special emphasis on celebrating the unique environment and amenities of the Isle of Man and visitors arriving for the tour will enjoy riding in a number of different locations as the stages are spread across the Island. Our aim is to help enhance the experience of those visiting the Isle of Man for the racing and to ensure they leave with a positive impression of their stay here and a desire to return again.
The Youth Tour also has an important role in bringing excellent competition to the Island which is a great benefit to local cyclists, who sometimes find it difficult to compete as much as they would like off-Island due to time and cost. Previous home Youth Tour competitors have included Peter Kennaugh, Mark and Anna Christian, Lizzie Holden, Tom and Leon Mazzone, and Jake Kelly, all of whom have all gone to ride for professional teams, and we are proud to play our part in supporting the sport and providing opportunities for local talented youngsters to break through at high levels.