Sprint legend Chris Hoy will be joined at Salford by fellow Olympic gold medallists Geraint Thomas and Ed Clancy, who smashed their own world record to claim Olympic glory in the team pursuit.

With other members of the British Cycling team joining the celebrations as VIP guests, the event will provide the first opportunity to welcome home the cycling stars.

Salford-based Hoy is already looking forward to the homecoming celebrations. “The Salford Nocturne is shaping up to be an exciting event” he commented. “It’s great that a new major cycling event is taking place right on my doorstep; it should be a lot of fun and a good opportunity to celebrate the success of the team following Beijing.”

Salford City Council, which is helping to stage the event as location sponsor, has included the Nocturne as a key attraction in its eventFull! campaign to attract more visitors to the city.

Councillor Barry Warner, lead member for culture and sport at Salford City Council, added: “It’s very exciting for us to be able to host an event like this in Salford and, as well as attracting top athletes to the city, it’s a chance for local people to be part of a national event right on their doorsteps.”

The event will provide an exciting mix of elite racing and entertainment events with a programme including support race, Geoff Thomas Foundation Corporate Challenge, Folding Bike Race and Elite Criterium.

Thomas and Clancy will feature in the elite event taking on the Best of British on the stunning course around the Lowry in Salford Quays. Hoy will swap the pressure of the Olympic Velodrome for a more light hearted challenge as he takes part in the pro-celebrity roller racing, where he will race against the likes of ex-England footballer Geoff Thomas.

The roller racing will also be open to the public and will be one of the main attractions in the start/finish area in the main plaza in front of the Lowry. Spectators will be invited to try ato beat a 500m sprint time set by Hoy with the closest contenders set to receive their prizes from the Olympic Champion.

With food stands, beer tents, exhibitors, and trade stands also featured in the main plaza, the event will provide plenty of action and entertainment for cycling fans and families alike.

Full details of the Salford Nocturne can be found at www.salfordnocturne.com with VIP hospitality tickets available to purchase. Roller Racing will be open from 3pm with the main race programme commencing at 6pm.