For the first time, the Corporation of London will be closing the roads around Smithfield Market on a Saturday night for the Smithfield Nocturne. Scheduled for just 14 days before the Tour de France Grand Depart some of the stars of cycling will take on the best of Britain in the heart of the capital. As the only London-based cycling event in advance of the Tour, the Nocturne will provide a stylish taster for the racing two weeks later.
With the historic Smithfield Market as a backdrop, the Smithfield Nocturne (a criterium-style event) will feature an entire evening celebrating all things cycling. The route for the course will take in the famous Charterhouse Street, West Smithfield Snow Hill and the start finish will be outside Grand Avenue, making for a 900-metre, highly technical course.
Not only is the event expected to showcase ProTour stars from the upcoming Tour de France, and the cream of UK cycling talent, there will also be events to capture the interest of everyone from the hardened cycling fan to the passing tourist. With a multi-point messenger race involving checkpoints, challenges and intricate route plans, a le mans start folding bike race, a junior race and an all-star race, there is plenty of action building up to the main event.
The Smithfield Nocturne is free to the public and will take place between 5pm and 10pm on Saturday June 23rd. The event is supported by the Corporation of London and Transport for London with Smiths of Smithfield the official catering supplier for the exclusive hospitality area. Full details of the programme, course and hospitality can be found on www.smithfieldnocturne.com.
