London Nocturne set to go international as co-founder Rapha returns as sponsor

The London Nocturne is set to go international as co-founder Rapha enters a new sponsorship agreement with organisers FACE Partnership to take the format to cities abroad. The move reflects a wider trend of cycling events being packaged in a format that makes them ideal for export.

It’s 10 years since the North London-based cycling clothing business launched the first London Nocturne in partnership with Condor Cycles and FACE Partnership. Last year the event switched from its original circuit around Smithfield Market to a new one running between the Bank of England.

The Rapha Nocturne Series will see the format – which has previously visited Blackpool, Edinburgh and Dublin – exported as part of a three-year agreement, together with a full programme of support races. The clothing business will also be producing a range to tie in with it.

FACE Partnership CEO James Pope said: “The Nocturne was originally created with Rapha and Condor Cycles so there has always been a strong connection to Rapha and their brand values.

“We have successfully grown the London Nocturne into the world’s most prestigious Criterium race and we are excited to collaborate with Rapha to take this to the next level and create new Nocturne events in some of the world’s most iconic cities.”

Rapha founder and CEO Simon Mottram added: “We are delighted to return to the Nocturne with FACE Partnership.

“We are also excited to be creating an international series of events that can inspire the future of racing, challenging convention and traditional race settings and formats.

“We want to attract thousands of people, with rides to the event, time with the pros, and dedicated sessions to promote involvement in cycling for all ages and abilities.“

More details, including the initial international race location, will be announced shortly. The London event will be held on Saturday 10 June.

FACE Partnership last year revealed plans to take its hugely successful track Revolution Series abroad with the Revolution Champions League, although a scheduled round in Paris has been postponed to the 2017/18 season.

The organisers of the track event Six Day London, which made its debut at Lee Valley VeloPark in 2015, have since launched similar events in Amsterdam, Berlin and Copehagen.

And the fixed gear Red Hook Crit series, which originated in a former naval dockyard in Brooklyn, New York City, now has rounds in Milan, Barcelona and Milan.