What started out in 2007 in London’s Smithfield has now expanded to Edinburgh and Blackpool for 2009, taking the unique Nocturne evening of racing to a wider audience.

The Edinburgh Nocturne will kick things off on 30 May followed by Smithfield on 6 June with the Blackpool Nocturne taking place on 1 August

Edinburgh is set to provide a spectacular opening to the 2009 Series. The Nocturne organisers are working with Edinburgh Council to establish the event as an annual part of Edinburgh’s exciting events calendar.

And the organisers reckon they’ve found the perfect venue for the first in this unique race series. “We couldn’t have found a better venue and backdrop with the Grassmarket which has been redesigned to be an events venue. The cobbled finish straight is back to back bars and restaurants, perfect for creating a beer festival style atmosphere to keep the food and drinks flowing. With the castle in the background we will be set for some stunning footage and photos.”

“The course will also provide some great viewing points with a tough cobbled climb up Victoria Street set to give the racing an interesting dimension – should be fun to see the Folding Bike racers out of the saddle up this one.”

Races will include an Elite Criterium, Support Race and Folding Bike Race. There’ll also be a Team Challenge for Edinburgh businesses and a boys and girls youth race supported by Scottish Cycling.

Feature action will come from the roller racing but more news will be available on this very shortly.

Full details of the race programme, course and hospitality are available on www.edinburghnocturne.com.