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Team Pursuit World Champions and Beijing Olympic gold medal prospects Geraint Thomas and Ed Clancy will return to race in the UK this Saturday evening, taking part in the Smithfield Nocturne Elite Criterium.
The Elite Criterium will be the highlight of an action packed evening of bike racing around Smithfield Market in the heart of the capital. Thomas last raced in London at the Tour de France and the Barloworld pro is looking forward to return to the city.
“It will be great to return to London as it’s not often we get the opportunity to race there,” Thomas says. “The Nocturne is obviously a different prospect to the Tour de France but I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve just come off the back of the Giro so I’m up for mixing it up in a crit race.”
“I was pleased with my form in the Giro, especially in the final time trial. It bodes well for my preparation towards the Olympics. I’ve had some rest this week and have a free schedule so it was a perfect opportunity to race against some of my GB team mates and enjoy some action on the streets of London.”
The race will bookend a packed race programme which will also feature London commuters in the highly competitive folding bike race. This year it won’t just be Londoners fighting it out for glory as competitors have entered from as far a field as Barcelona and Slovenia.
“It is a long way to fly to race” said Enrique Casanovas from Barcelona. “We have been thinking of creating a folding bike race in Girona for several years so we are delighted to be able to join the event in London. The Brompton World Championships were hosted in Barcelona but we particularly like the format of the Nocturne and are looking forward to an exciting race”.
Full details of the Smithfield Nocturne can be found at www.smithfieldnocturne.co.uk. The action will begin at 5pm and is free to attend for race fans and families alike.
Win VIP tickets
This is your chance to win tickets to the hospitality area, situated on the Start/Finish line, offering the best race views on the course.
The atmosphere will be electric as the riders set off and you will be right in the heart of it all. Guests will be able to move between two areas on either side of the finish straight to provide excellent views of the action and the main stage. You will also be able to mingle with the stars of the racing and other celebrity guests enjoying exclusive access to the pit areas.
The package includes a superb three course menu served in the covered hospitality dining area along with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks from the VIP bar.
If you want a booking you need to be quick, as there’s only 200 places available. RCUK however has secured 1 pair of tickets to give away, free. Here’s what the package includes:
(total value £20)
Here’s the question: Who is the wine sponsor for the hospitality area at Smithfield this year? (hint: the answer is on the website…)
Answers in an email to [email protected]. Due to the last minute nature of this competition, the tickets will go to the first correct answer, so don’t delay.
