Organisers blown away by Cyclone success

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 15, 2009

FESTIVAL organisers are hailing the phenomenal success of this year's Northern Rock Cyclone, England's largest cycling festival.

Some of the world's best professional cyclists were in the region to battle it out for the Beaumont Trophy, which saw Olympic multi-gold medallist Bradley Wiggins pedal to victory yesterday.

The Cyclone offered opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to compete - many of whom raised much-needed funds for charities, with a staggering 130,000 of miles cycled in aid of good causes.

Sponsored by Northern Rock, the festival kicked off in dynamic style on Friday with an evening of races, the Leazes Criteriums, in Leazes Park. Consisting of Novice, Youth, Senior and Elite races - involving some of the top riders and teams in the country - winners included Ian Wilkinson of Team Halfords Bike

Hut, Dean Downing of Rapha Condor, and world champion and Wiggins' fellow Olympic medallist Chris Newton, also riding for Rapha Condor.

The evening also incorporated a new event, the Cyclone Celebrity Challenge, which pitched seven celebrities against each other in a time trial race to raise funds for charity.

Former Olympic track and field athlete Allison Curbishley snatched victory just ahead of footballer Geoff Thomas and BBC presenter Jeff Brown.

Proud and delighted Festival organiser Peter Harrison said: "This year's event has seen a huge rise in participants and spectators from all over the country, demonstrating just how popular cycling has become in this country." And he vowed: "We're absolutely delighted that the Northern Rock Cyclone has grown to become the largest cycling festival in England and third biggest in the UK - next year we are aiming to take over the top spot."