Organisers of this weekend’s Virgin Money Cyclone, which begins with the Leazes Criterium this evening, have said that all remaining events are set to go ahead as scheduled despite the storms that have caused massive disruption in the North East of England over the past 24 hours, including the cancellation of yesterday’s planned Tyne 6 Bridges Ride aimed at beginners and families.

A video posted to YouTube yesterday of lightning striking the Tyne Bridge gives a small idea of the conditions that forced the cancellation of that event.

In an email sent out on Friday lunchtime, organisers gave an update on the remaining events scheduled for this weekend as follows:

Friday Criteriums – the circuit is looking OK and all is in place for tonight's racing. Registration for the Saturday Challenge rides will open as planned at 1pm.

Saturday – Reports back from Northumberland County Council indicate that all roads are open. However care will have to be taken on all rides as there is a lot of gravel and debris on the roads.

Sunday – all planned to go ahead as scheduled.

Full details of all events can be found on the Virgin Money Cyclone website.