On 23 June 2007 the Corporation of London will be closing the roads around Smithfield Market on a Saturday night for a truly unique evening of cycling – dubbed the The Smithfield Nocturne

Just 14 days before the Tour de France Grand Depart some of the stars of cycling will take on the Best of British in the heart of the capital. As the only London-based cycling event in advance of the Tour the Nocturne will provide a stylish taster for the racing two weeks later.

With the beautiful and historic Smithfield Market as a backdrop, the Smithfield Nocturne will be an entire evening celebrating all things great in cycling culminating in a fast paced elite criterium. The route for the course will take in the famous Charterhouse Street, West Smithfield, Snow Hill and the start/finish will be outside Grand Avenue; a highly technical course covering just over 900m, it promises be a spectacular night of racing.

Not only will the evening showcase ProTour stars from the upcoming Tour de France and the cream of UK cycling talent, there will also be fun packed events to capture the interest and imagination of everyone from the hardened cycling fan to the passing tourist.

With a multi-point messenger race involving checkpoints, challenges and intricate route plans, a “Le Mans Start” Folding Bike race, a junior race and an All Star race there is plenty of action building up to the main event.

The Smithfield Nocturne is free to the public and will take place between 5pm and 10pm on Saturday June 23rd. The brainchild of Rapha Condor and the Face Partnership, the Smithfield Nocturne is supported by the Corporation of London, Transport for London, Smiths of Smithfield, Procycling and CycleSport.

More information at www.smithfieldnocturne.com