From Jupiter to London
We’ve been coming to watch the races at the London Nocturne for as long as we can remember. The only thing I forgot was how popular it has become, and the effort it takes to find each other, but we always do!
Smithfields Market is the home of the London Nocturne. A technical race where both amateurs and pros get to strut their stuff and have heaps of fun in the process. As for us spectators, it’s a chance to celebrate all things good about cycling. Everything from watching the races to munching the local dishes with the family on a beautiful summer afternoon. There is something for everyone interested in two-wheels and the Capital’s community has come out in force to cheer them on.
Baroudeur, Denis Yeo managed to snap up a little bit of the flavour this fine racing day!
The Big Wheels
The Penny Farthings are absolutely flying round the corners like they were on rails! You don’t have to be close to catch the action, nor tall either. The bikes are big enough and the grimace of the racers is there for everyone to cheer. Roll, Roll, Roll!
The Charge of the Folding Bike Brigade
The smart thing to do is get your bike ready to easily assemble, and then make sure you’re at the back of the line up. This way, when the race officials call you pull back to the start line, you’re actually at the front of the pack. To the well prepared, and wise, come the spoils!
Vintage as Steel
The Retro Crew were out in force tonight. Donning very smart wool jerseys, they showed they were also tough enough to race on their steel steeds. It was time to get the bells out and give the racers a good London Baroudeur welcome!
Thank you, Boris
If there’s something we can thank the man in Town Hall for, it’s his introduction of the hire bike. It simply isn’t enough to have bikes from history racing through the Market. We just have to have the blue and white Boris bikes in on the action as well.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Here come the Champions!
As the sun begins to set and the podium is cleared, the Women’s Elite do a quick dash to warm up. It’s another level of speed tonight, and they are fast! The crowds who have been cheering all night, now step up to support the female racers. The barriers become the ideal drum to beat the victors home. The race is ripped apart, and before long the riders are strung out, until two are left standing on the final lap. It’s an incredible win for champion.
Ring your Bell
With a Big Baroudeur Ride scheduled the next day, I am surprised to find us out late to cheer the Men’s Elite final. Not too surprised, mind. The line up has both local and international pros pitting their wits against each other on this mad race into the dark. Tyler Farrar of Garmin-Sharp, and members of Team-Sky burn rubber on the 1.1KM lap.
After 50 mins of blistering pace, there’s a crash. Unfortunate as it is, it doesn’t stop the breakaway, and the victor acknowledges the luck and skill needed to win. It’s a worthy champion who showers the press and crowd in champagne!
Worry not, if you’ve missed the action. Here’s the highlights, courtesy of FACE-Partnership:
Congratulations to Nicola Juniper of Echelon-Rotor, and Toby Horton, of Madison-Genesis who wins his second win in two days!
