Britain has been awarded a fourth UCI EuropeTour race for the 2014 season after the Beaumont Trophy, the centre piece of the Virgin Money Cyclone, won recognition from cycling’s governing body.
One of 11 events within the four-day festival of cycling in the North East, the Beaumont Trophy joins the Rutland-Melton International Classic, RideLondon and the Tour of Britain on the UCI EuropeTour calendar.
And with Britain’s five UCI Continental Teams – Rapha Condor-JLT, Raleigh, NFTO, Madison-Genesis and Velosure-Giordana – confirmed for the 2014 event, founder and organiser Peter Harrison is delighted to have an event of such prestige in the region.
He said: “We’re extremely proud to bring a new UCI event to the North East of England, particularly as there has never been an event of this stature staged in the area before.”
The Beaumont Trophy, twice won by Sir Bradley Wiggins, is the headline race of the Cyclone, which is to be held from Thursday June 19 to Sunday June 22.
Jonny Clay, Cycle Sport and Membership Director for British Cycling, added: “It is great to see the Beaumont Trophy move up to the international calendar.
“The race has a fine history going back over 60 years, with the last seven as part of the British Cycling Premier Calendar.
“Along with many other fans of the sport in the UK, we’ll look forward to seeing an international field tackling the fearsome climb of the Ryals later this year.”
Returning for its eighth year in 2014, the Cyclone will feature six competitive races and five non-competitive rides of varying lengths and challenge, including the Leazes Criteriums, the Cyclone Challenge and the elite women’s Curlew Cup.
The Tyne 6 Bridges offers a relaxed pace ride along the banks of the Tyne of varying routes, while the Leazes Criteriums – in the city’s iconic, picturesque Leazes Park – offer events for young riders, seniors and an elite race.
The Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge meanwhile is the chief sportive event of the weekend.
Virgin Money Cyclone takes place from Thursday June 19 to Sunday June 22, 2014. Entries are open now. For more information or to register visit www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk.
