Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling

The Virgin Money Cyclone weekend is one of the longest-running and most respected cycling festivals in the UK. Running from Friday June 19 to Sunday June 21 2015, the festival features three days of cycling for riders at every level:

Friday 19 June – Tyne Six Bridges Leisure Ride
2015 will be the third year this relaxed ride takes place. Aimed at less experienced riders and families, it follows Sustrans Routes 72 and 14 along the north and south banks of the River Tyne, taking in the Gateshead Millennium, Tyne, Swing, High Level, Redheugh and Scotswood bridges. Choose between a 10.5 and 15.5 mile route.

Saturday 20 June – Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge Rides
A choice of three rides of varying distances and difficulty to test all who compete. Challenge rides start and finish at the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, Kingston Park, and take in the spectacular backdrop of the Northumbrian countryside. The routes are mainly on country roads, avoiding the city traffic. Riders set off in groups of 60 at 2 minute intervals. Choose between 34, 64 and 106 mile routes.

Entries for the Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling’s Friday and Saturday rides are now open. Interested riders are encouraged to enter early.

Sunday 21 June – Elite races
Women’s National Series Road Race – The Curlew Cup
The first event of the day will be a Women’s National Series Road Race which will attract some of the best riders in the country. The race will use the Ingoe Circuit, passing through the villages of Stamfordham and Matfen. Competitors will complete three laps of 13.9 miles each before going on to the 22.3 mile circuit used in the men’s race, crossing the finish line in Stamfordham.

Men’s Race – The Beaumont Trophy
Starting at 1.15pm, the Beaumont Trophy starts with a single lap of the 13.9 mile circuit used in the women’s event. Riders then progress to the 22.3 mile circuit used for the 2011 Men’s National Road Race Championships, including the climb of the Ryals. This is ridden four times before a final lap of the first, smaller circuit, making a total distance of 117 miles.

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For full event information and to register, visit www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk.