Online entries are now open for the Appleby Sportive on Monday, May 1.

The event will again start and finish at Ramsey Rugby Club, Mooragh Promenade, and consist of four timed options on different courses ranging in length from 38km (23 miles) to 118km (71 miles).

The longer route includes routes not normally used in local cycling events and features more than 1,500m of ascent.

Now in its eighth year, the sportive is supported by Appleby as part of the firm’s ongoing sponsorship of Ellan Vannin Cycling Club, which includes the provision of Appleby-branded cycling kits for the club. It also supports the Appleby Youth Circuit Championship.

Caren Pegg, partner in the dispute resolution department and member of the Appleby Charitable Foundation, said: ’The Appleby Sportive is part of our commitment to assisting the development of sport in the Isle of Man and sits at the heart of our corporate social responsibility.

’It is a popular community event enjoyed by participants and spectators, and we are delighted to see it grow year on year.’

Despite challenging weather, last year’s sportive saw 88 riders take part with some personal best finishing times recorded including regular Sidecar TT passenger Jason O’Connor, who completed the 100km course in 3hr 22min 52sec, and Hannah Heselton, who completed the 38km course in 1hr 28m 24s.

Richard Fletcher, chairman of EVCC, added: ’We are looking forward to this year’s sportive, which is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

’I would like to thank Appleby for its continued sponsorship and assistance in organising such fantastic events which encourage people to get involved in cycling.’

l Full details about the Appleby Sportive, along with entry forms, are available at www.ellanvannin.cc