Schools and community groups from across the Isle of Wight have been announced as checkpoint hosts for this year’s Isle of Wight Randonnee, as preparations continue for the event’s first outing under the stewardship of Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
Freshwater and Yarmouth CE Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School, Bembridge Primary School, Alverstone WI and Ventnor Rugby Club will all operate checkpoints when cyclists take on the 100km route around the Island on 6th September.
While the £15 entry fee, which includes a finisher’s medal, will help Mountbatten Isle of Wight cover the cost of staging the event, any donations collected at the checkpoints will be retained by the schools and organisations running them, helping to preserve the community spirit that has become synonymous with the Randonnee.
The 2026 event marks the first time the charity has organised the Isle of Wight Randonnee after stepping in to secure its future when there were concerns the long-running event could come to an end.
Originally launched in 1985 by The Wayfarer Cycle Touring Club, the Randonnee has become one of the highlights of the national cycling calendar and remains a non-competitive challenge rather than a race.
Participants can start and finish at the checkpoint closest to them before cycling clockwise around the Island, tackling approximately 100km and around 1,500 metres of climbing.
Funds raised through sponsorship will support Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s services, with the charity providing care for around 70% of people who die on the Island. Around 85% of its care is delivered in patients’ homes, through day services and outpatient appointments at the John Cheverton Centre, with the remainder provided on its inpatient unit in Newport.
A new partnership with premium cycling apparel brand Stolen Goat has also seen the launch of a range of bespoke Randonnee merchandise, including Mountbatten-themed cycling jerseys featuring the charity’s iconic sunflower, along with T-shirts, cycling caps and bandidos.
The popular annual collectors’ pin badge will also return and will be available to purchase on the day.
Andy Gorman, Managing Director of Stolen Goat, has said:
“The Stolen Goat team has so many fond memories of riding the iconic Isle of Wight Randonnee, along with thousands of other cyclists.
“The opportunity to support Mountbatten Isle of Wight in its fundraising efforts, in the next chapter in Randonnee’s history, is an absolute privilege.
“Most importantly, these beautiful jerseys will directly support fundraising efforts for the local community that has welcomed us all, and provided so much joy over the years.”
Ashleigh Gibbs, Events Lead at Mountbatten Isle of Wight, has said:
“We were thrilled to be named custodians of this amazing community-led event, and we are thoroughly enjoying our creative partnership with Stolen Goat.
“Working alongside the outgoing organisers and checkpoint providers, to ensure the Isle of Wight Randonnee remains a much-loved day in the annual national cycling calendar, we know 6th September 2026 will be a day to remember.”
Registration for the event is now open, with organisers encouraging cyclists to sign up and begin their fundraising efforts ahead of September’s challenge.
