The Manx 100 will form the HSBC British Cycling National Marathon Championships for the second year in succession on July 29, 2018.

It is excellent news for the Manx Mountain Bike Club organising team, led by Nigel Morris.

Commenting, he said: ’We met or exceeded all of British Cycling’s requirements both during and after this year’s event, all down to the fantastic work by all of the marshals, Isle of Man Constabulary, St John Ambulance, local businesses, people and government departments involved.

British Cycling was happy to maintain the Marathon Mountain Biking Championship event over the single-lap 100km route.

At the time, elite rider Ben Thomas, who finished runner-up in the event, said that with a few minor changes it would be as good as the best UCI Marathon Events he competes in throughout Europe.

The 2017 title was won by Tom Bell in a time of five hours 16 minutes, with Thomas a mere 18 seconds behind and Paul Oldham another couple of minutes adrift.

In addition, the 2018 event will also host the Manx Mountain Bike Marathon Championships over a 100-mile route, to include 15,500 feet of ascent. This was won by Phil Simcock in a time of 10hr 22min this year.

The Manx 50, which takes in the final 50km of the route in the central and southern areas of the island, will once more be included. This is a great introduction to the fun and suffering that is the Manx 100’s ethos.

Next year’s 100-mile and 100km events will start at 6.30am from the TT Grandstand on Sunday, July 29, while the 50km event will start at 2pm in St John’s.

No fewer than 112 for this year’s total field of 151 were from the UK or beyond. Taking into consideration their support teams, it is estimated that 250 people visited the Isle of Man over the weekend.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for the Department of Economic Development, thanked the organisers and said he was already looking forward to the 2018 event.