Major Changes Announced For Iconic Isle Of Wight Randonnee Cycling Event

One of the Isle of Wight’s most popular and enduring sporting events — the Isle of Wight Randonnee — is set for its biggest shake-up in 40 years.

From 2026, Mountbatten Isle of Wight will take over the running of the historic round-the-Island cycling challenge, with a new date of 6 September 2026 marking a fresh era for the family-friendly event.

The Randonnee has been a fixture on the Island’s calendar since 1985, organised and run by the dedicated members of The Wayfarer Cycle Touring Club.

Their hard work has built the event into a must-do experience for cycling enthusiasts from both the Island and the mainland — one that proudly celebrates participation over competition, with the Randonnee famously “not a race.”

Each year, around 3,000 riders take part, tackling either the full 100km clockwise route around the Island (with around 1,500 metres of climbs) or a shorter 55km ride, following parts of National Route 23 and the Island’s scenic east coast.

The event winds through some of the Isle of Wight’s most picturesque countryside and coastal roads.

Over the decades, the Randonnee has also raised vital funds for local schools and charities through donations, sales of commemorative badges, and refreshments at checkpoint pit-stops.

A new chapter with Mountbatten

As the new organiser, Mountbatten Isle of Wight — the Island’s hospice and end-of-life care charity — will become the guardian of the event’s rich heritage.

The charity will work closely with the Wayfarer Club through a joint committee to ensure the event continues to thrive.

A spokesperson for The Wayfarer Cycle Touring Club said:

“We’d like to thank Islanders for their incredible support — including the schools, businesses and villages that have hosted our feed stations.

"After 40 years, it’s time to pass the handlebars over to Mountbatten Isle of Wight for the next exciting phase of this much-loved annual cycling challenge.”

Mountbatten CEO Becky McGregor said:

“We’re beyond delighted to be chosen as the new organisers of the fabulous Isle of Wight Randonnee, which in its four decades has done so much for local schools and charities.

"We’re excited for Randonnee 2026, on its new date of 6 September, and can’t wait for what we know will be an exhilarating ride.

"Thank you to the Wayfarer team — your dedication has made this an incredible event, and we look forward to working with you in the future.”

Community spirit continues

Schools across the Island will continue to set up pit-stops and refreshments for riders, benefitting from fundraising opportunities — and Mountbatten says it’s keen to keep those much-loved traditions alive (and taste-test the treats along the way!)

Cyclists are encouraged to save the date – Sunday 6 September 2026 – for the first-ever Randonnee with Mountbatten.

Those wishing to take part can pre-register their interest now via the Mountbatten website:👉 www.mountbatten.org.uk/randonnee2026

Further details about the 2026 event will be announced soon.