Cycling Road & Mtb

Rocketing demand sees Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge upped to 5,000 riders

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Parent Category: Gran Fondo Road & Mtb

Category: Amateur cycling news 2010

Published on Tuesday, 16 November 2010 09:17

Written by Luca Salvatelli

Demand for the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge sportive ride has risen so much that limits on numbers have had to be raised by two thirds to 5,000 for 2011.

More than 500 riders have already signed up for the event since entries opened on 31 October. Part of the Northern Rock Cyclone weekend of cycling, it attracted more than 3,500 entries in 2010 – already making it the biggest event of its type held on open UK roads.

For the first time ever in 2011, the event takes place on the same weekend as Men’s and Women’s National Elite Road Race Championships. It means that the longer two versions of the 33, 63 and 104 mile sportive rides will share part of their courses with the National Elite Road Race Championships, giving you the change to pitch yourself against the pros on sections such as the infamous Ryals climb.

Entries for the 2011 Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge rides open on 1 November 2010, costing £25 for adults and £12.50 for youth riders. The rides make the most of Northumberland’s beautiful countryside and quiet roads and feature well-stocked feed stations, electronic timing, free bike checks at Newcastle’s Cyclelogical bike shop and a personalised certificate for every rider.

To make sure everyone completes the course safely technical backup is provided by Madison, National Escort Group (NEG) motorcycle outriders accompany participants and the route is marked out by Northumberland County Council. Photos of every rider are also available within 48 hours of the end of the ride.

The weekend kicks off with the thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing of the Leazes Criterium races in Newcastle’s Leazes Park on the evening of Friday 24 June. The highlight of this is the elite race, which in attracts top British and International riders. Registration for the Saturday’s Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge will be open at Leazes Park on the Friday night.

Peter Harrison, organiser of the Northern Rock Cyclone weekend said: “Every year the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge gets bigger and better and we’re thrilled by reaction to the 2011 event so far. With the National Championships forming part of the same weekend it’s set to be better than ever.”

The National Elite Road Race Championships and Northern Rock Cyclone weekend are the perfect excuse for a weekend away cycling.