Event: 29 June 2013
Location: Newcastle Falcons Rugby Ground, Kingston Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne
More than 1000 riders have already signed up for this summer’s Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge rides – more than four months before they take place.
The Cyclone Challenge is part of the North East’s famous Virgin Money Cyclone weekend, which runs from 27 to 30 June.
Every year, up to 4,000 Cyclone Challenge riders choose from 33, 63 and 104 mile route options which start from Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park rugby ground and take in the quiet roads and beautiful scenery of Northumberland.
Virgin Money Cyclone organiser Peter Harrison said: “With the recent cold weather, a lot of riders are looking forward to warmer days and rides like the Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge in the summer. I can’t wait to welcome them all on the day and for the fantastic atmosphere.”
The Virgin Money Cyclone weekend packs five cycling events into four days from Thursday 27 June to Sunday 30 June with something for everyone, from beginners and families to professional riders.
The riding starts on the Thursday evening 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 Gateshead Millennium, Tyne, Swing, High Level, Redheugh and Scotswood bridges.
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.
After the Cyclone Challenge rides on Saturday 29 June, it is the turn of the professionals again on Sunday 30 June. The day starts with the new Curlew Cup women’s elite race in the morning, with the elite men returning for the Beaumont Trophy in the afternoon. Part of British Cycling’s elite level Premier Calendar series, the Beaumont Trophy will attract the cream of British as well as European riders.
For more information and to sign up for the 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.
