The Virgin Money Cyclone is the UK’s biggest cycling festival, and further supports Virgin Money’s ambition to make everyone better off. The inaugural event took place between 28 June and 1 July, featuring:
The Tyne Six Bridges Leisure Ride – a relaxed, family event along the banks of the River Tyne, over six of its iconic bridges
The Leazes Criteriums – a series of sprint events for youth racers and licensed seniors including world and Olympic champions
The Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge Rides – a choice of three increasingly difficult routes through the beautiful Northumberland countryside, from 33 miles to 104 miles
Elite races including the Women’s National Series Road Race, The Curlew Cup and the Men’s Premier Calendar Road Race, The Beaumont Trophy
By providing financial support to hold the Cyclone weekend, Virgin Money helps:
Thousands of cyclists and families to raise money for good causes, or challenge themselves to become healthier and enjoy the beautiful North East landscape
To provide spectators with a unique opportunity to see world-class athletes perform
Raise awareness of how Virgin Money works with its local communities to help good causes
Our sponsorship of the Virgin Money Cyclone also means people can use Virgin Money Giving, our not-for-profit fundraising site which ensures all funds raised go to support good causes. Virgin Money Giving can be used by anyone and everyone raising money for a charitable cause (not just the Cyclone!).
Our aim is to help people raise over £250 million for charity by 2014. We’re already well on the way – Virgin Money Giving site users broke the £100 million barrier this year.
Click on the slideshow to see highlights of the 2012 Virgin Money Cyclone – including…
Riders setting off on their Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge ride from Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club
The elite women cyclists taking part in the Curlew Cup head out into Northumberland on the Sunday
Sarah Storey, winner of the Curlew Cup, poses with her trophy and second place Catherine Williamson and third place Helen Wyman
Richard Lang, winner of Friday's Elite Criterium with Paul Voss in second and Matt Cronshaw in third place
The Newcastle All Stars steel orchestra entertain the crowds at Leazes Park
The riders taking part in the Youth Criteriums start the race at Leazes Park
Getting close to the action mid-race
Jake Womersley, winner of the Senior Criteriums, crosses the finish line
Links to external websites are for information only. Virgin Money receives no income from them and accepts no responsibility for the website content. The information in this article is correct as at 24 July 2012.
