Club trip to Isle of Man

While not regularly regarded as a cycling hot spot, the Isle of Man has a long standing cycling heritage, that started long before Mark Cavendish began winning every bunch sprint in Europe. The Manx International Cycle Race is an international event first run on the Island in 1936 and amongst it's competitors lists such superstars as Tom Stimpson, Fausto Coppi, Jaques Anquetil and the great Eddy Mercx. Also Dundalk riders have faired well there in the past, with Oldran Murphy winning races there in the early 90s and Alan Bingham competing as part of the Leinster Team in 1993.

It was for this reason that Cuchulainn Cycling Club, for it's second trip of the season, headed off for a long weekend, basing themselves in the capital Douglas. Their routes took in the north of the island taking in the village Laxey, home of the famous mill wheel, and also the motorcycle T.T circuit. The island is far from flat  with the climbs of Snaefell and Ellan Vannan being tackled. The trip took a more holistic approach and outside of the actual cycling a considerable amount of hill walking was done by both the cyclists and their non-cycling partners. All in the trip was a great success & the Island of Man is a must for any cycling enthuse.