Cycling: Preparations underway for 2024 Hamper Race

Annual meeting continues to attract some of Island's biggest names

Preparations have begun for an annual Island cycling race which has attracted some of the biggest local names in the sport over the years.

Organisers of the Hamper Race - the Manx Viking Wheelers Club - have confirmed entries have now opened for the 2024 edition of the meeting which is due to take place on Sunday, 29 December.

Previously local riders of differing abilities have been joined in the festive race by some of the biggest Island names in the sport including Sir Mark Cavendish, Peter Kennaugh, Lizzie Holden and Becky Storrie.

Once again running in a handicapped 40km road race format, entry fees will be used to raise funds for the Isle of Man Island Games cycling team due to compete at the next games in Orkney in 2025.

Entries are open until the day of the event - the race will get underway at 10am on 29 December at Jurby Parish Hall.

The previous race saw Matthew Bostock and Ruby Oakes win the men's and women's contests respectively - it took place in January this year after being postponed from December 2023 due to poor weather.