The popular Lighthouses Challenge cycling event is being sponsored by life sector company Zurich.

It is the multi-line insurance firm’s first sponsorship of a local mass-participation sports event.

The event will take place on Sunday, July 3 - raising funds for Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man, the charity which provides vital support for families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Every pound raised will be match-funded (up to a maximum of £50,000) by the Z Zurich Foundation, a charitable foundation funded by various members of the Zurich Insurance Group.

Cyclists can choose to ride the quarter-circle, half-circle or full-circle courses - 28, 57 or 100 miles respectively - so there are options to suit everyone ranging from leisure cyclists and eBikers, up to seasoned professional racers.

There are gold, silver or bronze time bands, with all finishers receiving medals when they cross the finishing line. To enter go to www.lighthouseschallenge.im (it is limited to a maximum of 700 riders) or see Facebook.

The event is organised by a team of volunteers on a not-for-profit basis. New man at the helm, Ollie Last, commented: ’2022 will be the 11th edition of the event. Over the years it has grown in popularity with cyclists of all abilities from both on and off-island, and today it is firmly established as the premier event in the domestic sportive calendar.

’It’s great to enter our second decade with a new sponsor that is a strong brand both locally and globally, and a business that shares our commitment to promoting cycling for all. Thank you to Zurich and the Z Zurich Foundation, Department for Enterprise and DotPerformance for supporting the event too.’

Entry includes an event T-shirt, feed stations, post-ride massage, electronic timing and a train ride home for those taking part in the quarter-circle route. A motorcycle service course team will provide mechanical assistance, plus there’s a ’broom wagon’ to sweep up anyone who can’t complete the ride.