Call for riders to join England's biggest sportive

A call for cyclists to take part in a North East sportive has been made by the Traidcraft organisation, which is sponsoring the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge.

The Challenge is part of a top weekend of cycling in Newcastle and Northumberland starting on June 11 with the Leazes Criterium races in Newcastle’s Leazes Park.

The sportive takes place the following day and is the biggest of its kind in England. Sunday June 13 sees the Beaumont Trophy Premier Calendar race, won last year by Bradley Wiggins.

Traidcraft will be giving out its Geobar fair trade cereal bars at feed stations on the 33, 63 and 104 mile Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge routes to give riders an energy boost.

In addition, Traidcraft Exchange is looking for cyclists to take part in the sportive to raise funds to help people across the developing world to work their way out of poverty.

Northern Rock Cyclone organiser Peter Harrison said: “It’s great to have Traidcraft on board to give the riders a treat and I hope we can raise some cash for this worthy charity.”

North-east based Traidcraft is the UK's leading fair trade organisation and has been fighting poverty through trade since 1979 by building lasting relationships with producers, supporting people to trade out of poverty and working to bring about trade justice.

Cyclists can join Team Traidcraft by calling 0191 497 6445 or visiting www.traidcraft.org.uk/events. All Team Traidcraft riders will receive a fundraising pack and T-shirt to wear on the day as well as fundraising support.

Full details, including routes and online entry details for the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge are available at www.northernrockcyclone.co.uk.