HTC SMITHFIELD NOCTURNE LAUNCH
HTC-Columbia pro Matt Goss was joined by Masterchef's John Torode and ex F1 World Champion Jody Scheckter to launch the HTC Smithfield Nocturne this week.
Goss was on hand to help Scheckter unveil his new Mercedes F1 modified ice cream race bikes that will feature in the Laverstoke Park Ice Cream Race - one of the stand-out features of this year's event and a sure-fire crowd pleaser alongside the ‘Le Mans' start Folding Bike Race and Tokyo Fixed Gear Longest Skid competition.
"I am looking forward to seeing and riding the bikes The Mercedes F1 team adapted especially for Laverstoke's ice-creams being raced on the Smithfield's Nocturne circuit by Olympic Medalists, Ben Saunders Polar Explorer, as well as myself - The added twist of the competitors having to sell ice creams en-route will make it all the more entertaining!" says Jody Scheckter.
The food theme will continue through the Nocturne this year as the ancient St Bartholomew's Food Fair has been resurrected to enable top City restaurants to trade to hungry spectators throughout the day and evening.
And the most famous of Smithfield's restaurants - John Torode's ‘Smiths' of Smithfield will be hosting a special cycling expo from Condor and will be one of the main attractions for foodies, cycling enthusiasts and families alike.
"To be part of something like the Nocturne that is inclusive of everyone and can involve all the family is fantastic - to combine two passions like food and cycling on closed roads around Smithfield is a great way to bring people together," Torode said.
Check out all the races and attractions and our new 3D course plan on www.smithfieldnocturne.com
FIAT JOINES NOCTURNE SERIES OFFICIAL PARTNERS
ITALIAN car giant Fiat will extend its involvement in cycling to the UK this weekend with the announcement that it is now an official partner of the Nocturne Series.
Fiat will be present at the HTC Smithfield Nocturne on Saturday and will significantly grow its links with cycling following on from its partnership with British Cycling.
Brane Bosancic, Corporate Marketing Manager of Fiat, says: "The Nocturne provides an excellent opportunity for us to complement our partnership with British Cycling in the UK and engage with the diverse Nocturne audience in the capital and other iconic cities across the UK.
"We are very pleased to have agreed to become an official partner of what is growing into a really high-class event with one of the most engaged and knowledgeable audiences in the sport."
DAHON PROVIDES TOP OF THE RANGE PRIZES FOR FOLDING BIKE CHAMPIONS
A TOP of the range Speed Pro TT bike is the mouth-watering prize on offer for the winner of the folding bike race at the HTC Smithfield Nocturne on Saturday 19th June:
Under new distributor Zyro, Dahon continue their sponsorship of the 2010 Nocturne Series which will also include events in the other iconic locations of Edinburgh (July 3rd) and Blackpool (7th August).
The race at the HTC Smithfield Nocturne has had over 100 entrants with the line up looking like an episode of wacky races with a stag party, international folding bike team and Dahon sponsored riders all in the line up. Check out the full start sheet on the Smithfield Nocturne website.
NATIONAL ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Nocturne partner Pennine Events are also organising the National Road Championships the weekend after the HTC Smithfield Nocturne.
A personal invite from the President of British Cycling, Brian Cookson O.B.E.:
Don't miss a great opportunity to see the best of British battle it out in a fully closed road race circuit in Pendle in Pennine Lancashire on Sunday 27th June at the National Road Race Championships. Just one week before the Tour de France, we are bringing a dash of continental racing to the area, with the first full UK racing appearance of Team Sky, alongside the likes of Mark Cavendish and David Millar, plus Emma Pooley, Nicole Cooke and Lizzie Armitstead in the women's race, all on a testing 7.5mile circuit in the shadow of Pendle Hill. It'll be a great day out complete with a Cycle Show and Event Village, Big Screen, family entertainment and more besides. And make a weekend of it by entering the National Cyclo-sportive.
Start and finish under the same gantry as the Pro's in Barley on Saturday 26th then tackle one of the most beautiful, quiet and challenging routes in the country. Taking in the likes of Waddington Fell, Tatham Fell, the Lune Valley, Trough of Bowland and Nick O'Pendle. Plus an extensive Event Village.
Full details can be found at www.pendlecyclefest.com.
