Out to Farringdon for the Nocturne, a criterion, a loop, a race round Smithfield for an hour and five laps, shaved legs pumping, hearts beating, wheels spinning, all the thrill of elite sport on the streets of London for free. What’s not to like?
There’s a full-on, really fast pro men’s race, plus a women’s version and entertaining diversions like the gentlemens’ folding bike race, done Le Mans style with a run and unfold your bike start. There are the customary ox heart buns from St John and fine ale at Pure Groove. There is energy and excitement, a midsummer carnival of an atmosphere, like something really good is happening.
And of course, as well as being really exciting these events also help to raise the profile of cycling in the capital and encourage more people to use the most efficient way of travelling in our town.