Entries go live at midnight tonight (Friday) for the 2019 Gran Fondo and associated road cycling events.

It is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 21, with early bird discounts available until midnight on March 1. It comprises of four separate cycling challenges, featuring extensive closed roads riding experiences for all ages and abilities starting and finishing at Mooragh Park, Ramsey.

The main event will follow much of the traditional Gran Fondo route - including the torturous climbs of Druidale, Round Table and Injebreck that make up the prestigious King and Queen of the Mountain prizes. It will feature a number of tweaks, including the introduction of a 2.5-mile section of Ballaugh Curraghs on the outward loop, in addition to the gravel section through South Barrule Plantation, shortly after mid-distance on the 85-mile course - largely on closed roads.

In addition there is a 40-mile Medio Fondo, including the Druidale climb, a 20-mile Piccolo Fondo round the Northern Plains and a Minisculo Fondo over a half-mile circuit in and around Mooragh Park.

Early bird prices are: Gran Fondo £45, Medio £24 and Piccolo £16. The full prices from March are Gran £50, Medio £30, Piccolo £20. Age restrictions are: Gran Fondo is over-16s, Medio over-14s and Piccolo over-eights. Under-16s get a discount to £10 for the Piccolo, £8 with early bird.

l See www.granfondoiom.com for more details.