The fifth annual Gran Fondo takes place this Sunday, involving a record number of more than 800 cyclists tackling one of three distance challenges.

Presented by PokerStars, the full-distance Gran Fondo covers a total of 85 miles, with a ’half course’ 40-mile Medio Fondo and a shorter family-friendly 20-mile Piccolo Fondo that features the first and last part of the full course.

In addition there is also a novice and junior cyclist Minisculo Fondo round Mooragh Park from 4pm on Saturday.

The road closure times published are the maximum time that the roads are permitted to be shut, but it is anticipated that they will be open earlier than the published time. Roads will begin to close from 8.30am on Sunday morning, starting in Ramsey and the Northern Plains area.

The course routes have been defined to largely utilise the island’s quieter roads to minimise disruption to residents, leaving the main routes open.

The full course has been divided into seven sections and roads will close on a gradual basis, anticipating the time that the leaders will be reaching particular checkpoints until the majority of the field has passed through the point.

The north of the island, sector one, covers the Northern Plains; sector two will close from 9.30 until no later than 1pm, from Ballaugh to the Ballig are; sector three (10am up to 3pm) runs to Dalby via Glen Maye; sector four (10am to 3pm) runs back to St John’s via Round Table and Corlea; sector five (11am to 4pm) encompasses Archallagan through to the Bungalow via Injebreck; sector six (11am to 5pm) runs via Tholt-y-Will and Sulby Claddagh; and finally sector seven takes in Jurby Road from St Jude’s to Ramsey.

Spectating is encouraged around the course and footpaths will remain open. Spectators are also invited to visit the free Riders’ Village at Mooragh Park, open from midday on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.

As well as some of the Isle of Man’s finest food and drink producers, the village will also feature local cycling retailer Cycle 360 who will be on hand to provide tips and bike maintenance as well as live big screen action from the first two stages of the Tour de France.

Anyone wishing to discuss the road closures can call the Gran Fondo hotline number 830860. The full road closure details can be viewed at granfondoiom.com

The directors of Gran Fondo Isle of Man would like to thank local residents for their support, co-operation and understanding.