Three of Britain’s top domestic road cycling teams have shown their support for the North East’s popular Virgin Money Cyclone weekend (28 June – 1 July) by pledging to take part in the weekend’s action.
The Endura, IG Markets-Sigma and Rapha Condor Sharp teams have all said that they will bring top riders to the weekend, which includes five events offering something for everyone from complete beginners to pros.
Event organiser Peter Harrison said: “We always work hard to make sure that the Virgin Money Cyclone appeals to everyone who wants to ride a bike and attracts many thousands of cyclists and cycling fans to the North East. To have the support of such inspirational riders and teams once again for 2012 is great news for us.”
For the first time in 2012, the Virgin Money Cyclone weekend kicks off on the Thursday evening (28 June) with the Tyne Six Bridges Leisure Ride, a relaxed ride aimed at families and less experienced riders. Starting from Newcastle Quayside, the 9.5 and 14.5 mile rides will take in the Millennium, Tyne, Swing, High Level, Redheugh and Scotswood bridges. The rides start at 7pm on Thursday 28 June and cost £6 per person.
On Friday night the ever-popular Leazes Criteriums return to Newcastle’s Leazes Park. The racing around the tight circuit in the park attracts thousands of cycling fans to watch action from amateur and youth races to international cycling stars in the elite race.
On Saturday 30 June more than 4,000 cyclists of all types – from beginners and families through to professional riders – will take to the roads of Northumberland for the Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge rides. With a choice of 33, 63 or 104 mile routes, all follow routes around Northumberland’s breath-taking and unspoilt scenery combined with a fantastic atmosphere and amazing organisation, making a great day’s riding for anyone.
It is the turn of the professionals again on Sunday 1 July – and there is a new event specifically for elite women riders too. The Curlew Cup will bring the country’s top female riders to the North East following the success of the 2011 National Championships road race on the same course.
On the afternoon of Sunday 1 July the elite men return for the Beaumont Trophy, which has been running for more than 60 years. Part of British Cycling’s elite level Premier Calendar series, the race will attract the cream of British as well as European riders.
For more information and to sign up for the Virgin Money Cyclone Challenges or the Tyne 6 Bridges rides, visit www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk or you can follow @VMCyclone on Twitter and like the Virgin Money Cyclone page on Facebook.
