City of London Nocturne: Major New Cycling Event Hits Capital This Summer
World Class Bike Racing is set to launch a spectacular new cycling event in the City of London this summer, with the City of London Nocturne confirmed for June 12 and 13. This major addition to the capital's sporting calendar will bring elite riders and thrilling races to a closed-road circuit in the heart of the Square Mile, supported by the City of London Corporation as part of its 'Global City of Sport' strategy.
Reviving a Cycling Legacy with a Fresh Format
Inspired by the popular Smithfield Nocturne that ran from 2007 to 2017, this reimagined event spans two action-packed days, aiming to create a dynamic festival atmosphere. Nocturne Founder and Organiser, James Pope, expressed excitement about bringing world-class bike racing back to the City's streets, building on the heritage of the original events with an even bigger and more accessible format.
"Our vision is to create a spectacular sporting event that showcases the City in a completely different way - fast, exciting and accessible to everyone," Pope said. "With iconic novelty races, elite competition and a festival atmosphere on the streets, our goal is to make the City of London Nocturne a highlight of the capital's sporting calendar for many years to come."
Two Days of Racing and Charity Fundraising
The event kicks off on Friday, June 12, with the GOSH City Criterium, a new charity Pro-Am team challenge. Teams of four, paired with a professional rider, will compete on a fully closed 1.3 km circuit weaving through Cheapside and Bank, raising crucial funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity). An entry package costs £5,000, including hospitality and training resources, with an auction allowing teams to bid for their preferred pro rider.
Sarah Bissell, Deputy Director of Relationship Fundraising at GOSH Charity, highlighted the partnership: "We're delighted to be partnering with Nocturne for this exciting new event, which offers a fantastic opportunity for teams to take on a unique challenge while raising vital funds." Funds will support the 'Build it. Beat it.' appeal, aiming to raise £300 million for a new Children's Cancer Centre at GOSH.
Elite Races and Festival Atmosphere
Saturday, June 13, culminates with Elite Races registered on the UCI calendar, attracting top British and international male and female pro riders. The event also features iconic novelty races like the Folding Bike Race, Penny Farthing Race, and Voi Bike Challenge, designed to appeal beyond cycling enthusiasts. Big screens, music, and entertainment will create a free-to-attend festival atmosphere, with elite races broadcast live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, and other races streamed on YouTube.
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, welcomed the event: "It's great to see the Nocturne returning to the Square Mile this summer. Bringing world-class cycling into the heart of the City will give people the chance to experience our streets in a completely different way."
Race entries are now open, with more details available at the official event website. This summer, the City of London Nocturne promises to transform the capital's streets into a vibrant hub of cycling excitement and charitable impact.
