News – Leazes Crit dropped from Cyclone Festival

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The Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling, has announced a new format for 2015 with the Leazes circuit race dropped from the schedule

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News – Leazes Crit dropped from Cyclone Festival

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One of the UK’s most respected and established cycling events, The Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling, has announced a new format for 2015. The event, which has previously been run over four days, will next year revert to its original three day format and takes place from June 19 – 21.

The decision to condense the festival into three days has been made by event founder and organiser Peter Harrison who said: “Running the event over a long weekend will mean an even better quality programme with a greater family festival feel.”

The Tyne 6 Bridges Leisure Rides mark the opening of the new-look Virgin Money Cyclone on Friday June 19 and sees friends and families of all riding capabilities invited to participate in the 10.5 mile and 15.5 mile rides. Adding to the evening’s activities will be a new and exciting sprint competition to run along the banks of the Tyne as well as a series of British Cycling run skills tests for younger riders. A selection of food stalls and entertainment will contribute to the festival atmosphere.

The Cyclone Challenge rides return on Saturday June 20 with three revised routes and distances presenting an even better riding experience and avoiding the risk of a bottleneck in Ponteland on the outward route. Distances include a 34 mile, 64 mile and 106 mile ride, each departing Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park homeground and taking in some of the North East’s most stunning scenery.

Feed stations, technical support crew and motorcycle escorts will again be a fixture for 2015, with St John Ambulance volunteers across each route to support a safe event. Cyclists can track their progress with professional rider timing and photography by Marathon-Photos

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Pro Racing for Men & Women
On Sunday June 21, it’s the turn of the elite riders with the Curlew Cup National Series Women’s race returning to the village of Stamfordham at 9am. The hotly contested Beaumont Trophy Men’s Race follows at 1.15pm, with spectators invited to watch the action unfold as the professionals tackle Northumberland’s famed Ryals climb.

The Leazes Criteriums have been dropped for 2015 in response to Pro teams facing heavy criterium programmes in June, with teams opting instead to use Sunday’s Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy endurance events in preparation for the National Road Championships the following week.

Virgin Money Cyclone founder and organiser, Peter Harrison, said of the new format: “Gearing the festival towards three key days in 2015 will make the Cyclone even more accessible to those wanting to ride it, as well as for those coming along to spectate and enjoy the full festival experience. We’re packing all the atmosphere into a long weekend event and asking riders to get in and register early to secure a place.”

Virgin Money head of sponsorship marketing, Andrew Nicholson, said: “Virgin Money Cyclone is a standout cycling festival for the North. The new format has been designed with community in mind and it will be great to see both the professionals and those just starting out cycling up a storm.”
Entries for the Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling’s Friday and Saturday rides are now open. Interested riders are encouraged to enter early.

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Virgin Money Cyclone
The Virgin Money Cyclone weekend is the biggest cycling festival in the UK. Running from Friday June 19 to Sunday June 21 2015, the festival features four days of cycling for riders at every level:

• Friday – 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 – 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.

• 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 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.

Further Information: www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk

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