A popular cycling event is set to return to the region in July for a weekend of top-class races and events.

The Cyclone - festival of cycling, which every summer visits several Tynedale towns and villages as part of the six different routes available to competitors, is set to make a comeback after being cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As well as the event hosting a day purely for the public to take part, the festival organisers are also hoping to welcome the two biggest cycling races in the country to take place following the expected easing of lockdown restrictions later this year.

“We’re optimistic but realistic when it comes to running the event,” said Philip Ingram, one of the Cyclone’s organisers.

“Hopefully by July we’ll be able to have a restriction-free event, but we have a plan if this isn’t the case and we’ll obviously act accordingly in line with government guidelines at the time if this is the case.

“If it does go ahead, we’re all really excited to get the event going because the two biggest races in cycling since the scheduled end of the restrictions will take place.

“On the public days, we’re optimistic that we can get a lot of people involved; especially after this last 12 months too.”

The Cyclone has become one of the most popular sporting events in the North East since its creation back in 2007 and Philip went on to add they hope to build on that success.

“We all can’t wait to come back to Northumberland,” he added.

“Something we hope the event has done in the past and will continue to do so this year is bring everyone together.

“In past years we’ve had towns and villages we pass through create feeding stations for the competitors on the public days and it really brings out a community spirit in everyone.”

To register an entry into one of the event’s races, head to https://cyclonecycling.com/.