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North East bank caught in a cyclone

NORTHERN Rock is putting its recent troubles to one side by urging the region’s businesses to get behind one of the biggest cycling festivals in the UK.

The Northern Rock Cyclone – now in its fourth year - returns to the North East in June for a weekend of cycling in Newcastle and Northumberland in aid of charity and has challenged local businesses and residents to get involved.

Paul Cairney, Assistant Director; Brand and Sponsorship at Northern Rock said: “We’re delighted to offer our continued support of the Cyclone, which has grown to become one of the biggest and most well-respected cycling festivals in the UK.

“We are immensely proud of our North East roots and this weekend’s event offers the opportunity to showcase our beautiful region, give people the chance to become involved in an accessible sporting activity and raise much needed funds for a host of local charities.”

The Northern Rock Cyclone packs professional cycling races and England’s biggest participatory sportive challenge into one weekend. Attracting some of the top British and European teams and riders, the proceedings kick off on Friday 11 June at Newcastle’s Leazes Park for the fast wheel-to-wheel Criterium races.

This is followed on Saturday 12 June by the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge.

More than 3,000 cyclists, of all ages and abilities, are expected to tackle a choice of a 33-mile, 63-mile, or the gruelling 104-mile route, in a bid to raise funds for North East and national charities.

The weekend comes to a head on Sunday 13 June with the Beaumont Trophy Premier Calendar race, won in 2009 by Tour de France and Olympic star Bradley Wiggins.

Festival organiser, Peter Harrison said: “ Entries are now up to nearly 3,000 and with only approximately 500 places left.

“We’re also really looking forward to welcoming some of the top cycling teams from Britain and Europe again, including Olympic and World medallist riders.”

Last year the event raised £150,000 for good causes

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .