The Salford Festival of Cycling on 30-31 August aims to be one of the most exciting cycling events this summer and, as well as including something for everyone, features the Salford Nocturne.

Family rides over 50 and 100-mile distances are also available for people wanting a leisurely day, but the centrepeiece of the weekend is the elite criterium race, which will pit the UK’s top riders against each other around a 1km circuit. The race will be free to watch, and local businesses will have the opportunity to compete against each other in a relay format on exactly the same circuit as the professionals.

“The first Nocturne event took place around Smithfield Market in London last summer,” organiser James Pope says. “It was so successful that we wanted to bring it to the North West, a strong cycling community. Salford Quays is an ideal venue.”

“The concept is designed to appeal to cyclists as well as non cyclists, involve local businesses and bring a new style of event to the Quays. Cyclists will loop around the Quays passing land marks such as the Lowry and the Lowry Footbridge, providing a dramatic backdrop to such an exciting event.”

In addition to the elite event and the business challenge, there will be a 2012 hopeful’s event and a women’s only race going on into the evening and providing fabulous free entertainment.

Councillor John Merry of Salford City Council commented: ‘We are delighted to add the Salford Festival of Cycling to our programme of events. It offers something for everybody, whether they want to come along and enjoy the spectacle or take part themselves.”

The 100mile routes of the Great Salford Bike Ride will take riders north around Blackburn and up to Pedleton. The 50mile route will be less challenging; taking in some of the North West’s best cycling country. For those preferring a more sedate cycle ride, there is the family lap challenge.

The Great Salford Bike Ride will directly benefit the Geoff Thomas Foundation, the Leukaemia Charity that was set up by former England and Manchester City footballer, Geoff Thomas.

More information at www.salfordfestivalofcycling.com.