Smithfield Nocturne - 7th June 2008
The 2nd edition of the Smithfield Nocturne followed on the success of the 2007 event attracting 7500 spectators to Smithfield Market to watch a superb evening of cycling action.
The highlight of the programme was the Elite Criterium which was won in style by Barloworld pro Geraint Thomas. Geraint was on fine form coming to the race off the back of the Giro and proved too strong for his British counterparts. After a frenetic start Thomas, Hayles and Briggs formed a strong break after 40 minutes and held on until the end with Thomas taking the sprint victory.
Mark cavendish also made a special appearance joining guests in the hospitality to watch his British team mate in action.
In the other races Douglas Dewey put in a strong performance to win the Cycling Weekly Support Race inching out Cycling Weekly's own Ben Wilson in the sprint finish. Charlie Pearch led Team Lloyd and Partners / La Fuga to victory in the City of London Team Challenge and Iago O'Flynn and Lilani Vanelast proved victorious on the roller racing in the Inter Schools Challenge.
Once again the Folding Bike Race proved a crowd pleaser and highlight of the action with the 'Le Mans' start causing its usual chaos. This year the race was sponsored by Halfords Cycle2Work and competitors raced in heats to qualify for the grand final. Ultimately keith Henderson was the winner speeding to victory on his Dahon to collect a brand new Dahon as his trophy.
In an interesting development from the race a technology debate erupted raising questions over rules and regulations for organisers Face Partnership - to read the full story click here. To read comments in the regulations debate please click here.
Race Winners:
| Elite Criterium | Geraint Thomas - Barloworld | Results |
| Regional A | Douglas Dewey - Team for 2000 | Results |
| Corporate | Lloyd and Partners | Results |
| Folding Bike | Keith Henderson | Results |
| Inter Schools | Iago O'Flynn & Lilani Vanelast | Results |
