More than 1,200 cyclists took to the roads of the Isle of Wight for Randonnee 2026 – the first edition of the popular cycling event to be organised by Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
Riders from the Island and as far afield as Cardiff, Cheshire and Norfolk tackled the picturesque 100km route, with glorious sunshine accompanying this year’s event, which was held in September for the first time.
The move to a new date proved successful, with hundreds of cyclists signing up on the day.
Those completing the challenge received a bespoke medal, while the event’s iconic pin badges were available alongside specially designed Stolen Goat cycling merchandise.
Mountbatten took over the running of the Isle of Wight Randonnee from the Wayfarers Cycling Club, which had previously organised the event.
David Walter, from the Wayfarers Cycling Club, said:
“Thanks very much to Mountbatten Isle of Wight for taking on this wonderful event and moving it forward to the future.
“It was a perfect day for Randonnee, but thousands of people of all ages turn up for it, in all weathers! Club cyclists whizz round in under four hours while others take 12 hours.
“This year’s organisation is fantastic, with additions like toilets!”
Mountbatten CEO Becky McGregor thanked the Wayfarers for entrusting the event to the hospice charity, as well as the cyclists, community groups and volunteers involved.
She said:
“I was honoured to be able to meet so many cyclists, community groups and volunteers who supported Randonnee throughout the day – thank you for your amazing support.
“Thank you, too, to the drivers who were patient and helped us keep people safe on the Island’s roads and the Floating Bridge team, who I know were kept busy all day.
“We are delighted to have become custodians of Randonnee and we hope to see everyone back in 2027, for another amazing day of cycling.”
Mountbatten provides round-the-clock end-of-life care for more than 2,500 people on the Isle of Wight at any one time, according to the charity.
Some 85% of its care is provided in people’s homes and through day services and outpatient care at the John Cheverton Centre, with the remainder delivered through its specialist inpatient unit.
The charity says £6.50 of every £10 it receives comes through fundraising, events and donations, alongside income from its charity shops and gifts in Wills.
The next Isle of Wight Randonnee will take place on Sunday 5th September 2027.
Those interested in taking part can register their interest at www.mountbatten.org.uk/forms/randonnee27.
