Some of the UK's top road racers, including Malcolm Elliott, Chris Newton, Ed Clancy and Tony Gibb, are set to line up at the start of tomorrow's Newport Nocturne.
The event was Britain's original floodlit criterium and has been revived after a three-year break. It has attracted crowds of up to 14,000 to the small Shropshire town in the past.
The evening kicks off with the Past Masters race for ex-pros, which will feature the likes of Sid Barras, Les West and Keith Lambert. Then past winners Chris Newton and Malcolm Elliott will each ride a two-lap time trial paired with young riders – James Ireson, 13, and Jack Escritt, 12 – in the Regeneration/New Generation Challenge.
Elliot, who is retiring immediately after the Nocturne, and Newton, who is scaling down his racing programme, will then have a couple of minutes to cool down before taking to the line again for the Pinarello Newport Nocturne Elite Race. Prizes will include the winner's weight in beer.
Promoter Nick Jeggo said: "We've been putting on pro races here since 1970 so the spectators are very cycling-savvy. We concentrate on the entertainment aspect and the floodlit format gives it an almost theatrical feel. By only putting the race on every two or three years the crowds are always hungry for it and this year is no exception."
For more details, visit www.bikerace.co.uk
Mark Cavendish in action during the last Newport Nocturne
