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.
“Our focus is on quality and not quantity,” confirmed Event Director James Pope. “We have three events in exciting city locations that span the UK and our vision is to establish these as the premier criterium events on the calendar, events that blend entertainment and performance sport.
“We are building exciting partnerships with the City of London, Blackpool Council and Edinburgh City Council with the aim of developing the Nocturnes as major events in the sporting calendar,” he confirmed.
The series is set to be party to some continental flair should negotiations with several well known international pros succeed. “We are in the process of signing up some well known international pros to take on the strong British teams and we are specifically billing the Blackpool Nocturne as a post Tour de France criterium with some of the stars of the Tour expected to race,” commented Pope.
The Edinburgh Nocturne will take place around the Grassmarket area and will feature a Belgian style cobbled finish straight and short climb. Smithfield will continue to take place around the historic Smithfield Market in the heart of the capital and the Blackpool Nocturne will be raced around the north shore promenade and Blackpool Tower.
Each event will provide a range of support races and feature events including Rollapaluza Roller Racing and hugely popular Folding Bike Race.
