In excess of 400 riders had entered this Sunday’s Lighthouses Challenge sportive by Tuesday evening of this week (24 hours before the deadline).

Registration will be at Bikestyle between 5 and 7pm this Friday and Saturday. All riders will receive the event manual by email this afternoon (Thursday).

The ninth edition of the non-competitive event will start at 8am from North Quay, Douglas.

Late entries will be accepted at a premium fee of £40. It is powered by Microgaming Play It Forward.

l Gran Fondo entries close at midnight this Sunday, July 7.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday, July 21 offering four separate challenges that include extensive closed roads riding sections catering for all ages and abilities.

It will start and finish at Mooragh Park, Ramsey.

The full Gran Fondo distance is 85 miles, featuring three major climbs. The Medio Fondo includes one major climb in a 40-mile sportive while the Piccolo Fondo is run over a largely flat 20-mile course in the north-west of the island.

The new Minisculo Fondo is primarily aimed at children and families over a closed road circuit round Mooragh Park.

The Riders Village in Mooragh Park will feature a range of high quality food and beverage options for riders and their supporters. To enter before the deadline, go to www.granfondoiom.com