Newport Nocturne draws a record crowd
Shropshire’s biggest cycling race – which featured Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy – attracted its biggest ever crowd, organisers said today.
More than 15,000 people lined the streets of Newport on Saturday night for the annual Newport Nocturne.
Clancy, who won a demonstration derny race said:“ It has been nice to be out riding again.”
Kiwi sprinter Rico Rogers claimed the 2012 Newport Nocturne title in thrilling fashion as the peloton reeled in an established break just metres from the line.
Penny Rowson became the first women’s Nocturne winner after a last-lap attack gave her a solo victory while two-time Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy won the derny derby event.
More than 14,000 spectators lined the streets of Newport to watch what was a thrilling night’s action at the bi-annual race.
Node4 Giordana Racing man Rogers edged out 2010 winner Ian Wilkinson after the Endura Racing rider and Raleigh’s Bernie Sulzberger had led for much of the men’s race. Marcin Bialoblocki (Node4 Giordana Racing) took third place.
Wilkinson and Sulzberger forged clear in the early stages and held a lead which peaked at 18 seconds.
Heading into the final lap they were still clear, but the peloton – driven by Node4 and Rapha – caught them inside the last 150 metres. The pair worked well together to put daylight between themselves and the rest of the field, but the bunch refused to give up and, in a frantic finale, Rogers emerged from the pack to claim victory.
Sulzberger had the consolation of collecting the King of the Sprints title.
Rogers admitted he was confident of his form should the race end in a bunch sprint.
“I was pretty sure that no-one was going to come around me,” he said.
“It was an awesome atmosphere and it was good to see so much support.”
Comments for: "Newport Nocturne draws a record crowd"
John Williams
Superb event put on again, congratulations must go out to all the riders involved. Also a very special mention to Nick and Mick Jeggo for organising a great event and the sponsors who helped make it all possible.
robbo
Once again a golden opportunity to put Shropshire on the Map....I say let's make this a yearly event and please Nick and the orgnaisers can we have a youth event in between all the waiting...it would be great to promote local and British Cycling youths and promotethe support as safe and family friendly...as it is!!!
David Turner
Saturday's Nocturne was a great event. Your Town and the organisers and sponsors should be proud of their achievement.
The atmosphere was very family friendly and for cycling enthusiasts the racing was excellent.
Just one request, could we have an update on the condition of the injured rider in the ladies race. Everyone I met was very concerned for her and Just hoped it was not too serious.
Regards
David Turner
Stone
Jon G
I read on a cycling site that it was Eve Dixon who crashed out during the sprint and was sent to hospital with head injuries, but i believe she is now out and well (just with a bit of bruising).
David Turner
Thanks Jon G. Glad to hear she is OK