BUSINESSES in the North- East are expected to benefit by more than £500,000 as thousands of cyclists flock to the region for a three-day event.

Up to 5,000 amateur and professional cyclists are expected to participate in The Northern Rock Cyclone races, which will raise more than £200,000 for charity.

Sarah Green, regional director of CBI North-East, said: “The economic impact on the area cannot be underestimated with people travelling from all over the UK to take part in the event, which provides a huge benefit to the North-East economy.”

Tourism brings £4bn into the North-East economy and supports 65,000 jobs in the region.

The events start in Newcastle, on Friday, June 24, and concludes with the UK National Elite Road Racing Championships, on Sunday, June 26, attracting some of cycling’s biggest names including 2012 Olympic gold medal hopefuls Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish.

Full details, including details of how to take part, are available at northern rockcyclone.co.uk