UCI Northern Rock Cyclone update

[Peter_Harrison]

Entries are now coming in steadily for the very first UCI event ever to be held in the NE. The Cyclone Challenge was awarded UCI status on the 11th january 08. As of today 500 entries have been recieved via the online entry facility for the three challenge rides. This year a number of charities have been nominated and are listed on the website.www.northernrockcyclone.co.uk and as last year prizes will be awarded for those who raise the most amount for the charity of their choice. Last year 6 people won £720 worth of prizes courtesy of Shimano/Ultimate Pursuits.
The Cyclone Challenge rides are sandwiched between two of possibly the richest races for Elite riders in 2008. The criteriums provide a spectacular night of racing in Leazes Park and the Beaumont Trophy Premier calendar RR on the sunday will once again be a spectacular day of racing.
Riders who are eligble to ride can also enter the races online as well as those taking part in the Challenge rides

[Peter_Harrison]

600 now entered but lots more room for more entries. After a discussion at the SAG meeting last friday (safety advisory group) it has been decided to set final numbers at 2500 for this year.
Sponsorship has just been confirmed with Traidcraft. They will be supplying Goebar energy bars along with the bananas supplied by Delmonte. This plus the drinks from SIS should ensure everyone gets round each ride without running out of energy. There will be 4 feed stations on the 100ml ride and each one will double up as a First Aid Station with paramedics, ambulance, communications centre and timing. There will be 3 feeds on the 62 ml ride. The route will be patrolled by Shimano as technical backup, the National motorcycle escort group plus 2 sweep vehicles supplied by Northumberland CC. Naturally there is changing accommodation and showers a tthe Falcons.
Each rider will wear a timing chip supplied by sport Ident.
Route marking will be done before the event by Northumberland County council.
Various charities have been selected as nominated charities (see website http://www.northernrockcyclone.co.uk) and discussions are ongoing with certain celebrities to get them involved. There are prizes for those raising the most amount of money for the charity of their choice. Last year each prize was worth £120 and is being supplied againn this year by the thechnical sponsors - Shimano.
Everyone will be able to download their own personalised certificate after they finish.
Naturally there is full event insurance for everyone and it is a UCI event.

[thatwomanagain]

Ok, now that I'm paying for this nationalised race I can surely demand a nice, easy route especially for me - no time limits, no long grinding hills, steaming mugs of tea every few miles....

[Peter_Harrison]

Ok, now that I'm paying for this nationalised race I can surely demand a nice, easy route especially for me - no time limits, no long grinding hills, steaming mugs of tea every few miles....

I've got a Brewery as one of the sponsors - what more do you want
On a serious note all organisational aspects of the whole event are coming together and my aim is to make it the best weekend in the UK for everyone whether you are a spectator, competitor or racer
I've already started to plan next year's event and I've got a couple of tricks up my sleeve for the longest ride .