ENTRIES are now open for the region’s biggest cycling festival. The sixth annual Northern Rock Cyclone takes place next summer .
Already one of the country’s best events on two wheels, it promises to be bigger and better than ever for 2012.
The Northern Rock Cyclone sees thousands of cyclists – including some of Europe’s top athletes – descend on Newcastle and the Northumberland countryside for a weekend of biking.
Building on the success of last year – which saw over 4,000 people of all ages and abilities get on their bikes – the 2012 event has been extended. This year, there will be five events on offer over four days next June and July.
Event organiser Peter Harrison said: “It’s always exciting when entries for next year's rides open. As the nights draw in and the weather turns, looking forward to the great rides of next summer brings a smile to everyone’s face.”
New for the Cyclone in 2012 is the Tyne Six Bridges rides, which will kick off the festival on the evening of Thursday, June 28. Aimed at beginners and young families, the three routes will take in the beautiful and dramatic banks of the river Tyne in Newcastle. Entry to the rides is just £6 for all competitors.
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 the Saturday, thousands of cyclists – including beginners, families and professional riders – will take to the roads of Northumberland for the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge rides.
With a choice of 33, 63 or 104 mile routes, all take in Northumberland's breathtaking and unspoilt scenery combined with a fantastic atmosphere, making a great day's riding for anyone.
It is the turn of the professionals again on the Sunday – and for the first time ever there is an event specifically for elite women riders. The Curlew Cup will bring the country's top female riders to the North East.
In the afternoon is the Beaumont Trophy, which has been running for more than 60 years and is part of British Cycling's elite level Premier Calendar series.
Entries to the festival, sponsored by Northern Rock, are now live. For details, visit www.northernrockcyclone.co.uk, where there is also an online competition to win free entry into the rides. You can also follow the event on Twitter @NRCyclone and on Facebook.
