Discovering the Isle of Man’s Cycling Playground

Famed for the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT), the undisputed mecca of pure, unfiltered motorcycle racing, there is another side to this mountainous land that sits in the middle of the Irish Sea.

Paradoxically, locals describe their home as a place of tranquility and calm. Historical harbour towns steeped in seafaring heritage and medieval castles are set against a backdrop of dramatic scenery. Kittiwakes and puffins nest here, while seals, dolphins and whales are often spotted offshore. For British triathletes Will Draper and Chloe Sparrow, and a tight-knit group of two-wheel enthusiasts, the Isle of Man is a cycling playground of remarkable diversity. Its geological backbone—a mountainous spine crowned by Snaefell at 2,034 feet—creates ideal terrain for MTB, and a network of trails through ancient woodlands and exposed heathlands provide the ingredients for challenging all-day gravel adventures.

A maritime climate delivers mild, unpredictable conditions - the perfect testing ground for GOREWEAR's SS25 all-terrain gear. Armed with our new hardwearing ePE GORE-TEX Lupra 2.0 collection, and our three-season FERNFLOW Windbreaker in reserve for unseasonably hot Spring weather, Will and Chloe spent a week putting our kit through its paces.