After a three year break, Britain’s original floodlit criterium once again takes to the streets of Newport, Shropshire on September 4th. The popular event normally takes place every two years, but promoter Mick Jeggo suffered a serious illness last year and the race was postponed.
Past editions have attracted crowds of up to 14,000 spectators to see cycling superstars like Mark Cavendish and Roger Hammond.
A lap of the partly-cobbled 1.2 mile circuit takes just a couple of minutes. Meanwhile several live bands provide music for all tastes. The winner of the Elite criterium is the beneficiary of a rather strange custom; he wins his weight in beer! The promotion uses a set of giant scales, and as the winner sits on one side of them, a local publican stacks bottles of beer on the other!
The unique event kicks off with a “Past Masters” race for ex-pro riders. In 2003, multiple Classics and Tour de France stage winner Sean Kelly narrowly outsprinted ‘Super Sid’ Barras for the win.
The Nocturne will again feature an invitation one lap time trial. On previous occasions, riders such as Jason Queally, David Millar and Geraint Thomas have been persuaded to take part. For the moment the promoters are remaining tight-lipped on the exact format and on the identity of the participants. However, they are promising something “very special”!
