Sunderland cycling star Anna Turvey will join a host of local, national and international athletes when she takes to the starting line at one of the UK’s most respected and established cycling events, the Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling, June 19 – 21.
Anna, a former champion triathlete who represented Scotland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, will contest Women’s National Series road race, the Curlew Cup, on Sunday June 21, riding for Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International. It will be the first time the North East local tries her hand at the Northumberland event.
Heading up internationally recognised men’s event, the Beaumont Trophy, on the same day are national and international teams including Sir Bradley Wiggins’ Team WIGGINS and ONE Pro Cycling, the newest British Continental team backed by England test cricketer, Matt Prior.
Both races are part of the Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling, a three day celebration of all things cycling. There is just one week left to enter the non-competitive Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge rides taking place on Saturday June 20. The rides depart Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club in Kingston Park and trace the path of professional cyclists through scenic Northumberland in 34, 64 and 106 mile routes for all ages and abilities.
Those looking to start small or simply take in the festival atmosphere are invited to greet the weekend on the banks of the River Tyne. The Tyne Six Bridges Leisure Ride tours Newcastle’s iconic bridges in easy distances for families and less experienced cyclists, with an evening of free entertainment and activities taking place at The Cycle Hub.
Anna Turvey commented on the event: “It’s my first time at the Virgin Money Cyclone and the Curlew Cup will be one of my first competitive road races so I’m looking forward to some strong competition. In the year of the second Women’s Tour of Britain, it’s great to be able to fly the flag for women in cycling, especially on home soil.”
Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling Founder and Organiser, Peter Harrison, added: “It’s fantastic that local athletes like Anna Turvey are getting behind the Virgin Money Cyclone and inspiring cyclists at all levels to do the same. Entries to the Challenge rides close in one week and we’d like to have as many people possible taking part in a fun festival weekend.
The Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling returns to Newcastle and Northumberland June 19 – 21. For full event information and to register yourself or a team for a Challenge ride before June 10, visit www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk