Cycling News

Northern Rock Cyclone filling up fast

Get your skates on if you want to ride in the UK's biggest 'sportive' ride, set for 12th June and part of a full weekend of NE England cycle events.

Over 1300 entries have been received so far for the three sportive rides. This is 100 percent up on the same period last year. The 104 mile ride is almost two thirds full already.

Ride organiser Peter Harrison sad: "Looks like the maximum number of participants allowed this year will be reached well before the official closing date. I'm hoping to get 3000 riding this year!"

Sports drink Powerade has announced that they are backing the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge sportive.

The drinks will be distributed at feed stations on the 33, 63 and 104 mile routes.

Harrison said: "It's great to have Powerade supporting us in 2010 to quench the thirst of riders."

Powerade is produced and distributed in the UK by Coca Cola Enterprises.

Coca Cola Enterprises regional operations manager Simon Patterson said:

"The Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge sportive is for beginners and hardcore cycling fans alike, so is a great opportunity for Powerade."

The Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge is part of a full weekend of cycling in Newcastle and Northumberland. The weekend kicks off on the evening of Friday 11th June with the action-packed racing of the Leazes Criterium races in Newcastle's Leazes Park.

The Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge sportive takes place on Saturday 12th June and is the biggest sportive in England.

The Northern Rock Cyclone weekend comes to a head on the Sunday with the Beaumont Trophy Premier Calendar race. Won in 2009 by Bradley Wiggins, the race takes in the beautiful countryside - and challenging riding - of the Northumberland countryside.

Published Friday 29 January 2010