Organisers of the country’s largest floodlit bike race which starts in Shropshire today were hoping thousands would turn out for the event.

The Newport Nocturne is expected to pull in more than 14,000 people for Saturday’s race when the cycling elite go head-to-head racing along the town’s streets. The race returns after a three-year absence and will feature two Olympic medallists as well as a host of national riders.

Among those due on the starting line are Olympians Ed Clancy and Chris Newton, top UK riders Dean Downing, Andy Tenant and Tony Gibb, organisers said today.

Organiser Nick Jeggo said this year’s line-up was impressive, despite the event taking place the day before another big racing event.

“It will be an excellent night with some top racers,” he said.

Pleased

“Unfortunately the national championships has come the day after our event and a lot of the top riders want to enter that so they can wear the national jersey in any of the road races they enter but we are still pleased with our line up.”

Mr Jeggo said music and entertainment would kick off in the town at 6.45pm in a bid to get the crowd going.

Once the cheers are loud enough, the riders will be introduced at about 7pm with the Past Masters’ Race kicking off at 7.15pm.

This features 12 laps around the circuit which also takes in the town’s only cobbled road, St Mary’s Street.

Then at 8.30pm it will be the turn of the young and old riders for the New Generation/Regeneration Challenge which will see Chris Newton and Malcolm Elliot go head to head for one lap.

Organisers are hoping the weather will stay kind, with the main attraction – the Pinarello Newport Nocturne race – due to start at 9pm. This will include 50 minutes of cycling plus five laps, and is expected to finish at about10pm.

The presentation to winners will kick off at 10.15pm.

By Jason Lavan