News: Newport Nocturne returns in 2018

Over 120 cyclists will descend on the historic town of Newport, in Telford, on Saturday 18th August for the Newport Nocturne, the UK’s original flood lit cycle race

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News: Newport Nocturne returns in 2018

Telford is gearing up for the return of one of the UK’s most legendary cycle sport events this Summer. Over 120 cyclists will descend on the historic town of Newport, in Telford on Saturday 18th August for the Newport Nocturne, the UK’s original flood lit cycle race.

Nicola Juniper, Diane & Nick Jeggo and Jacob Tipper

The event returns thanks to the overwhelming support received from the Telford and Shropshire’s tourism organisation Discover Telford Visit Shropshire, part of Telford & Wrekin Council and to funding from Newport Town Council.

Spectators will be able to see Pro cyclists compete on the iconic cobbled streets of Newport, racing through the evening, under floodlight. The unique market town will play host to a great day out, combining the best of pro cycle racing, live music, street entertainment, the attraction of market town shopping and dining as well as some brand new event features to be announced in the coming months.

The return of the event is supported by Telford & Wrekin Council’s tourism team Discover Telford Visit Shropshire following a successful bid to secure DEFRA Rural Tourism Growth funding. The funding is provided to support the development of a rural event and attract more visitors to stay in the area. Visitors to the event in 2018 can expect even more than in previous years, with an enhanced event programme and the launch of a range of weekend breaks for those visitors wanting to stay a little longer in a region famous for outdoor adventure.
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The Newport Nocturne was established in 1989 and is the original and first night time cycle race in the UK. The event attracts as many as 10,000 visitors, with spectators lining the streets to watch the best of the amateur scene and some of the UK’s top pros compete in this iconic cycling event.

Organiser Nick Jeggo, who alongside his wife Diane succeeded his late father Mick in staging the event, is thrilled to see the race back on the cobbles of Newport, “We’re delighted to be able to bring the Nocturne back after a four-year break. We are very grateful to have the funding and support of the DEFRA Rural Tourism Growth Fund secured by Telford & Wrekin Council, plus the generous sponsorship and practical support of Newport Town Council.”

“Telford and Wrekin Council have had real foresight in helping to bring this exciting event back, not only as a great spectacle and cultural attraction but also seeing its potential to attract thousands of visitors.”

Rae Evans Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member with responsibility for tourism said: “The Council is delighted to have helped to bring this spectacular sporting event back to one of our historic borough towns with this financial support. This is a landmark year for our borough as we celebrate Telford’s 50th anniversary and the Newport Nocturne will be a fabulous addition to the events for visitors and residents to help mark Telford 50. The timing of its return could not be better, and we are very pleased to support this year’s activities.”
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The Newport Nocturne is a Criterium Race (Crit) that is ridden over a short/closed circuit in the centre of town. Based upon a 1.2 mile circuit the riders in each race lap the town for the duration of approx. 50 minutes plus 5 laps. With competitors riding multiple circuits at high speed and very close to the event spectators, the event creates an amazing atmosphere and spectacle for everyone! And this year the event expands to create a festival of cycling for visitors. Previous riders who have competed include Tour de France star Mark Cavendish and Olympic champion Joanna Rowsell Shand.

Nicola Juniper, three times Elite National Road Race Champion is one of the pro riders looking forward to competing in Newport, “It’s a circuit that has everything you could hope for; it’s fast, technical and exciting and I know it’s going to be a fantastic event.”

The 2017 National Team Pursuit Champion Jacob Tipper is another rider who is a huge fan of the race, “The Nocturne is a unique stand-alone race, unlike anything else on the calendar. For me, it epitomises what a circuit race should be like.”

Mayor of Newport Lyn Fowler is also leading the wave of support following the news that the race was due to return – a return that the town hopes will be great news for its local businesses as thousands of visitors flock to enjoy the event. Mayor Fowler acknowledged the role the Jeggo family have played over the years in The Newport Nocturne, “The Jeggo family, first Mick and now Nick and Diane, have put Newport on the map with the original floodlit cycle race in the UK held right here on the streets of Newport. It’s their hard work and dedication that makes the Nocturne possible and the event brings the town recognition and tourists in their thousands…”

Nick Jeggo adds “The support from the local community as news of the event returning to Newport has been fantastic. Local people are fully invested in making this a night to remember and we are excited at some of the big-name sponsors who are coming on board and would be excited to hear from brands and businesses who would like to get involved. The Newport Nocturne is a chance to experience top class cycle racing in a unique environment. Experience the beautiful and historical town of Newport like never before”!

And to mark the relaunch of Newport Nocturne the official tourism brand for the destination, Discover Telford Visit Shropshire, will be launching an exciting range of visitor packages and promotions with special day, stay and weekend breaks for families, groups and parties as well as UK cycle clubs.

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