Top British Cycling Stars for Newport Nocturne

 

Story posted August 14, 2007

British Cycling Elite Circuit Series Event

Event Press Release

 

Latest: Latest star rider to be added to the programme for the Newport Nocturne is Bradley Wiggins, Olympic Champion and Tour de France rider. Promoter Nick Jeggo said "It's fantastic to have Bradley riding the Nocturne, he's not only a brilliant rider, but an example to aspiring cyclists in the UK.  I have to say the pressure has been on us over the last few weeks to come up with something big for this year's event. In 2003 we had Sean Kelly here and in 2005 we had the Olympian Challenge Time Trial with the likes of Jason Queally and Paul Manning.  Attracting Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas to Newport is a big achievement but now with Bradley coming it's the icing on the cake!"

 

 

Previously

The promoters of Britain's only floodlit bike race (held every two years)  have managed to attract two of the UK's best Pro riders to their event. Tour de France heros, Mark Cavendish of T-Mobile and Geraint Thomas of Barloworld will ride the Newport Nocturne on Saturday, September 1st.

As first year Pros, neither were expected to be picked for the Tour de France, the Worlds top event. However, their progression this year, plus the fact that the Tour started in London, meant they were hard to ignore by their team managers. Both riders are products of Britain's World dominating track cycling squad.
 
Promoter, Nick Jeggo said "It's a real coup to be able to bring these two great riders to our little town.  They are both going to be big stars.  Mark, in particular, has had a fantastic year, everyone is saying that he can win the Tour de France green points jersey.  I'm sure that in years to come, Shropshire people will boast "I was there when Cavendish and Thomas rode in Newport."

 

Above: One of the star riders last time was Roger Hammond who is now a teammate of Mark Cavendish at T-Mobile.
 
Cavendish's was being tipped to become one of the World's fasted road sprinters, even before he beat "Tornado" Tom Boonen in the prestigious E3 Scheldeprijs in Belgium. In all, 'Cav' has scored 7 wins in a phenomenal first year. In the Tour itself, crashes and bad luck meant that the 22 year old was unable to realise his dream of winning Stage 1 in Kent.
 
Thomas, by contrast, was lucky to get a ride in the Tour. Not only was has he the youngest starter, his Barloworld team were selected only as a late "wildcard" entry with just a month to prepare.  Amazingly, the South African based squad proved to be one of the strongest teams, taking  two stage wins and the best climbers jersey.  Everyone expected Thomas to be withdrawn by his team after the first mountain stages, but he amazed everyone with his strong riding and made it all the way to Paris. 
 
The Shropshire Star Newport Nocturne takes place on the evening of September 1st.  See www.bikerace.co.uk or email info@bikerace.co.uk for details.  The promoters, Michael and Nick Jeggo can be contacted on 01952 810964.

 

Related Links
2005: Newport Nocturne Town Centre Circuit Race