Cycling events on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is well known as a unique and special destination for cyclists. The cycling events on the Isle of Wight are a real highlight, so it is worth making the effort to get involved.

In his latest blog post, cycling expert Tim Wiggins looks at four of the most popular road cycling and mountain biking events on the Isle of Wight – a fantastic way to get involved with cycling on the Isle of Wight and all superb ideas for your bucket list.

A long-standing cycling event on the Isle of Wight is the 7 Hills (previously known as the ‘7 Hills Killer’). The event is a mountain bike orienteering event that crosses the Island from Freshwater Bay to Sandown Airport. It heads along the chalk ridgeline that spans the Island, and then loops down to the hills of Wroxall and Ventnor.

Riders follow a signposted route, with surprise checkpoint locations acting as checks to keep everyone on the course. Water and snacks are provided at one of the waypoint checks, but riders are expected to follow the route self-supported. There is a great BBQ at the finish!

Certainly, the oldest and largest organised cycling event on the Isle of Wight is the Isle of Wight Randonnee. You have just missed 2019’s edition but stay tuned for the 2020 event dates.

The event is a free-to-enter ‘brevet’ style ride, whereby participants collect a route card at one of the multiple checkpoints around the Island and complete the signposted route self-supported—getting their route card stamped at each checkpoint along the way.

The checkpoints also serve as ‘feed stations’, and riders can purchase locally made cakes and drinks in the community run venues around the Island. It is a fantastic way to see the Isle of Wight, and regularly has over 2000 riders take part, on bikes of all shapes and sizes.

This 100-mile cyclo-sportive (with a shorter 50 mile route also available) is a fantastic way to experience the spectacular road cycling on the Isle of Wight.

An exclusive number of entrants will enjoy a stunning route, and superb feed stations stocked with the Island’s finest local produce. The 100-mile tour features over 2000 metres of climbing, and takes in the best coastlines, climbs and viewpoints that the Isle of Wight offers; including Cowes waterfront, The Needles, the Military Road, Ventnor’s dramatic hills, and the picturesque harbour villages of Bembridge and St Helens. This is a ride not to be missed.

For those that also have an interest in running and swimming, the West Wight Triathlon is a super event. You can also take part as an individual, or as a team—with members of the team completing one of the three legs.

This is a registered race event and is treated as such; with timing chips and official start and finish times. It is a fun way to see some of the best scenery, roads, and trails in the West Wight.