Top riders prepare to saddle up as Cyclone Festival rescheduled

THE 2020 Cyclone Festival of Cycling has been re-scheduled for September 25-27 and will bring its usual combination of six public cycling events and two elite races to the North East.

The decision to run the Tynesidebased festival - originally scheduled for earlier this summer - was taken following advice from the Government and British Cycling.

Highlight of the weekend will be the 2020 Beaumont Trophy on the final afternoon. The race, expected to attract some of the country’s top male cyclists, takes place around the village of Stamfordham in Northumberland.

Earlier in the day, the Curlew Cup race for women will share the same course as the men’s event.

The festival opens with the Tyne Six Bridges Family Rides on the

Quayside on the Friday evening. Both routes (10 and 15 miles) take riders along a flat, traffic-free route by the River Tyne which is suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

The Cyclone Challenge Rides on the Saturday offer routes of 34, 65, 93 and 108 miles.

Cyclone Festival organiser Peter Harrison said: “Additional health and safety measures will be taken, as recommended by the Government, British Cycling and local authorities in consultation with the festival’s venue providers.

“The safety of everyone involved will be paramount throughout.

“We will only run the festival if all interested parties agree.

“However, we are determined to make the event happen if it is possible to do so.

“With so many events cancelled this year, the Cyclone is a great chance to get out on your bike while also fund-raising for a good cause.”