Beaumont Trophy heads bumper weekend of Northumberland cycling

Cycling fans in Northumberland have a bumper weekend action to look forward to as the Virgin Money Cyclone weekend rolls around, featuring a mass participation sportive and elite men's and women's races.

The Cyclone Challenge sportive rolls out of Kingston Park, home of rugby's Newcastle Falcons, on Saturday with participants taking part in one of three routes heading out into the Northumberland countryside.

Then, on Sunday, the cream of the British domestic racers descend on the village of Stamfordham for the Beaumont Trophy and the Curlew Cup.

The Beaumont Trophy features a host of riders who excelled in the recent Pearl Izumi Tour Series and the Tour de Yorkshire, including strong teams from the likes of Madison-Genesis and One Pro Cycling.

Sir Bradley Wiggins's eponymous team will also take to the start line, although their newest recruit will not be present. Wiggins has won the Beaumont Trophy twice, most recently in 2011 as British champion.

>>> Wiggins and One Pro Cycling confirmed for Beaumont Trophy

The Curlew Cup forms part of the women's National Road Race Series which will see riders from Wiggle-Honda, Matrix Fitness and Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International taking part.

For more information on the weekend's rides and to find maps of the various routes, visit the Virgin Money Cyclone website.