Riders gather for Smithfield Nocturne launch

By Ben Atkins in London, England

Riders from the various categories gathered for a photo opportunity at Smithfield Market this afternoon. Three riders representing the elite, courier and the commuters' folding bike races were joined by a Smithfield butcher - on a traditional delivery bike - to publicise the race that will take place on the streets around the famous meat market this Saturday evening.

Event highlights will include a the Dahon Folding Bike Race featuring 'commuters' dressed in jackets and ties will start Le Mans style, 10 metres from their folded bikes and build them as quickly as possible before racing five laps of the 900m course.

The main event of the evening will be the elite criterium, featuring the cream of the British road scene, including Premier Calendar leader Dean Downing and current national criterium series leader Rob Hayles. Joining the domestic riders will be Australian Team CSC rider Matt Goss, but sadly not Saunier Duval's David Millar, who does not want to take any risks so close to the start of the Tour de France. Millar will nevertheless be present at the event to show his support and sign autographs, before flying off to join his team for the Eindhoven team time trial.

All races are free to the public and the action starts at 5pm this Saturday, June 23. For more information go to www.smithfieldnocturne.com.