Some of the world’s elite cyclists will race wheel-to-wheel in the City of London this summer when the IG London Nocture returns to the capital.
The free event, which has attracted some 45,000 spectators since its inception in 2007, is expected to draw thousands more when it returns to Smithfield Market on June 9.
Pro cyclists racing in the flagship criterion race, won last year by Team Sky’s Alex Dowsett, will also compete in an elimination race, billed as a test of endurance and sprinting skills.
Founder, James Pope, said he was delighted by the involvement of Channel Four.
The broadcaster will screen the event on national television and make it available for download on its 4OD channel.
“This is London’s year of sport and we are extremely excited to be coming back to the City bigger and better than ever before,” said Pope.
The Nocturne would offer those who had missed out on Olympic tickets an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of international cycle racing, he added.
A catalogue of support races will include the IG City Criterium, where five-man teams from City firms will race to become ‘the fastest company in the Square Mile’.
Folding bike races, the Brooks Penny Farthing Race, and the Schwalbe Fixed Gear Longest Skid competition complete the programme.
Racing starts at 5pm with the opening heats of the folding bike race. The elite criterium race, which lasts an hour plus five laps, starts at 9.15pm.
The event will again be backed by IG, the financial spread betting and CFD trading company, one of the biggest backers of British cycle sport.
A ‘cycling festival’ will surround the racing, including Smithfield’s bars and restaurants, displays, trade stands. and expos.
IG London Nocturne provisional schedule
5pm – Folding Bike Race heats
6pm – Support Race (40 minutes plus 5 laps)
6.50pm – IG City Criterium
7.30pm – Brooks Penny Farthing Race
8.15pm – Elite Elimination Race
8.40pm – Schwalbe Fixed Gear Longest Skid
8.55pm – Folding Bike Race Final (5 laps)
9.15pm – Elite Criterium (50 minutes plus 5 laps)
10.5pm – Finish
