Cycling: Tyler and Oakes to lead final Gran Fondo

After a decade the event will move off tarmac next year

Isle of Man cycling talents Tyler Hannay and Ruby Oakes will be heading up the final Gran Fondo this weekend (19-20 July). 

At 21 and 18-years-old respectively, Hannay and Oakes are set to lead the men's and women's entries as the competition enters its 10th and final year. 

From next year, the challenging 85-mile race will return as a gravel and XC Mountain Bike event. 

However, for now, it stays on the tarmac as 900 riders line up across four different Fondo events, with riders travelling here from all around the world. 

Four-time competitor and two-time winner Hannay, is currently competing at the Island Games in Orkney, where he has taken a gold and bronze medal, as well as two team medals. 

He will face strong competition this weekend though as fellow Island riders Will Draper and Zac Walker are set to compete, while ex-Team Sky rider Chris Lawless will also take part. 

Elsewhere, TT star Dean Harrison is swapping his leathers for lycra as he's also due to be on the track. 

As for Oakes, she has had a busy season this year, making her debut at many of the World Tour Spring Classics, including the Tour of Flanders.

The 18-year-old will also have stiff competition as former winner, Sally Walker and double former podium finisher Jess Gault are among 38 female riders.

As well as the Gran Fondo, there are also shorter non-competitive Medio (40 miles) and Piccolo (20 miles) Fondos taking place simultaneously.

Taking place the day before, the popular Minisculo Fondo also returns, where riders of all ages and abilities can enjoy cycling around a half mile loop of Mooragh Park.