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Virgin Money Cyclone Announces New Format for 2015 - Registration Now Open

by Nick Gregory

GB Flag

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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 will see friends and families of all riding capabilities participating in the 10.5 mile and 15.5 mile rides. Adding to the evening's activities will be an exciting new 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. 

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 34 mile, 64 mile and 106 mile rides, each departing Newcastle Falcons' Kingston Park homeground and taking in some of the North East's most stunning scenery. 


Kristian House takes the win in the 2014 Beaumont Trophy at the Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling

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

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

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