News: Beaumont Trophy Recognised by UCI

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The Beaumont Trophy, one of 11 events within the Virgin Money Cyclone’s four day festival of cycling, has won recognition from cycling’s world governing body, the Union Cycliste International (UCI).

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Beaumont Trophy Recognised by UCI

Virgin Money Cyclone is one of the UK’s most respected cycling events. As the Cyclone’s headline race, the Beaumont Trophy has been classified a European tour event, making it one of just four UCI road races to be held in the UK in 2014.

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Confirmed to ride the event are all five British UCI Continental Teams: Rapha Condor JLT; Madison Genesis; Raleigh; Velosure and NTFO. Two Continental teams have already confirmed they will compete in the June event, with more to be announced.

Previous winners of the acclaimed race, which was first run in 1952, include Bradley Wiggins, Chris Newton, Russell Downing, Dean Downing, Malcolm Elliott and Don Sanderson. The most prolific winner of the Trophy is Ray Wetherell who has won it five times. Bradley Wiggins has been awarded the Trophy twice, once as National Champion in 2011.

The accreditation is a huge boost not only to Virgin Money Cyclone, which was created in 2007 to encourage as many people to get out on their bikes, get fitter and enjoy the countryside, but to the region, and sees the North East play host to its first-ever UCI road event.

Speaking on the accreditation, Virgin Money Cyclone Founder and Organiser, Peter Harrison, said: “We’re extremely proud to bring a new UCI event to the North East of England, particularly as there has never been an event of this stature staged in the area before.”

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Now in its eighth year, the multi-faceted event attracts over 4,000 riders, from Elite level professionals and serious cycling enthusiasts to individuals and groups looking to undertake their first sportive or enjoy a leisure ride. Charity supporters will find the event a fitting platform to raise awareness and funds for the organisation of their choice.

2014 will see six competitive races and a further five non-competitive rides of varying lengths and challenge, including: the Tyne Six Bridges Leisure Rides, the Leazes Criteriums, the Cyclone Challenge, the Beaumont Trophy and the Curlew Cup.

Elite level riders will use the historic Beaumont Trophy to hone their skills ahead of the British National Road Championships the following weekend. Some may go on to ride the Tour de France, which starts in Yorkshire on July 5. The Trophy centres the village of Stamfordham and takes in the notorious Ryals climb. Spectators will see some of the world’s best-known cyclists tackle the event, including all of the major British Teams and even some National Teams.

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The Curlew Cup, a Women’s National Series Road Race event, will immediately precede the Beaumont Trophy. Following the same course as the men’s event, the Cup takes three of the smaller laps and the final lap to ascend the Ryals. Previous winners include Dame Sarah Storey in 2012 and Hannah Barnes in 2013.

For those looking to compete for the first time or at a less aggressive pace, Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge rides are increasingly popular. Non-competitive cyclists are invited to use the events to test their fitness and complete their own personal Challenge. The events attract riders from both the UK and abroad.

Young riders looking to further develop their skills can take part in the Leazes Criteriums Event, held within the grounds of Newcastle’s beautiful Leazes Park. The evening also offers races for seniors and will include an elite race with Olympic and World Championship medallists competing for the first place prize.

The Tyne 6 Bridges leisure rides provide individuals, groups and families new to cycling with a leisurely ride along the banks of the Tyne. Suitable for all bike types, the relaxed all-ages events follow traffic-free routes with options for varying levels of experience and ability.

Virgin Money Cyclone takes place from Thursday June 19 to Sunday June 22, 2014. Entries are open now. For more information or to register visit www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk

EVENTS
Thursday – Tyne Six Bridges Leisure Ride
2014 will be the second 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 Millennium, Tyne, Swing, High Level, Redheugh and Scotswood bridges. Choose between a 10.5 and 15.5 mile route.

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Friday – Leazes Criteriums
The Criterium racing in Newcastle’s Leazes Park starts at 6.15pm and offers spectators a great opportunity to get close to the racing. With races covering different ages and abilities, the evening starts with two youth races – one for U10/12 followed by an U14/16 event. The supporting senior event is for riders who race regularly but are not full-time riders. Entrants must hold either a 2nd, 3rd or 4th category BC licence. The finale for the evening is a one hour race for the best riders in the country, some of whom are medal winners. Watch out for current world and Olympic champions who often take part.

Saturday – 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 33, 63 and 104 mile routes.

Sunday – 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 Premier Calendar Road Race – The Beaumont Trophy
Starting at 1pm, 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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