 Julan Ramsbottom 2003 Winner |
 Chris Newton 2005 Winner |
Apart from a big cash prize, the winner of the Shropshire Star Newport Nocturne gets a very unusual award – his own weight in beer!
The idea first came about in 2001, when promoter Nick Jeggo, saw an article about a continental race where the winner was given his weight in the local cheese. The thing is, who needs that much cheese? Surely liquid refreshment would be more appealing!
Local company Classic Furniture agreed to contruct some giant scales and the Landlord of the Pheasant Pub in Newport, Paul Quinn, stepped in to provide the beer. Since then, it has become something of a tradition and the race has become well known for this unusual extra incentive for the riders. Of course, honed cyclists don’t weigh that much so there is usually a young lady to help the winner gain a few pints more.
Britain’s only floodlit cycle race, the Shropshire Star Newport Nocturne takes place at 6.45pm on Saturday 1st September see www.bikerace.co.uk for details.
