The 23rd End to End Mountain Bike Challenge takes place this Sunday, with the main field getting away from the Point of Ayre at 9.30am.

The gridded start for the Bikestyle-sponsored event will see riders roll out in organised waves onto the stretch of coastline leading down the Ayres as far as Rue Point.

They will then head up the concrete and Tarmac road to Smeale, before following the coast road through the Lhen, Jurby and Ballaugh Cronk to Ballacrye on the TT Course.

A short stretch through Ballamoar Farm will take riders to Ballaugh Glen and the first real climb through the plantation to Druidale Road, then across Black Mountain and Slieau Dhoo to the first feed station close to Brandywell Cottage.

The long run over Glion Gill takes riders towards Beary, then briefly onto the Dowse track before peeling off left for the fast, smooth descent over the fields to Ballacraine.

The second feed station is at St John’s, followed by a road stretch to Patrick and the hard slog up Barnell, prior to the technical descent through Arrasey Plantation.

The next tough section is the grippy, sharp climb from Glen Rushen to Round Table, followed by the welcome descent alongside the road to Juan-e-Clarey’s bridge.

The final discernible climb is the Eairy Cushlin track to Point 1119, followed by the run over the heather-clad moors prior to the steep descent to the Sloc involving the wooden boardwalks.

The final segment takes riders over Ballarock and across private land down to Fleshwick, prior to the run round Bradda Head and the sweeping descent to the finish on Port Erin’s lower promenade.

The leaders are expected to arrive there shortly before 12.30pm.

There are 447 entries for the main event, with another 57 on the Half Challenge (including 26 youths) that will start from St John’s at midday. An increased number of 33 electric bikes will ride the first half of the course to St John’s starting at 10am from the Point of Ayre, 30 minutes after the main field.

Last year’s winner Simon Skillicorn will carry the No.1 plate, followed by multiple former winner Elliot Baxter at 2 and Stone’s Mike Wragg at 3.

The leading women are likely to include former Longest Day Longest Ride winner Fay Holland (148), 2018 Manx 100 winner Emma Atkinson (75), teenager Emily Bridson (22) and former Commonwealth Games competitor Jacqui Fletcher (115).

l Registration takes place at Bikestyle HQ, The Market Hall, North Quay, Douglas tomorrow evening, Friday, 4pm to 7pm and Saturday 5pm to 7pm.

Full reports next week.