Hayles out for revenge at Salford Nocturne

British National Road Race Champion Rob Hayles joins a star studded elite field at the Salford Nocturne on Saturday 30th August.

Hayles has been in the form of his life recently, following up the British National road title with a second place at the National Criterium Championships and victory in the Tour of Pendle last weekend.

The Halfords Bikehut rider will start as one of the favourites to win the elite criterium in Salford Quays but will face tough opposition particularly with Smithfield Nocturne winner Geraint Thomas (Barloworld) in the starting line up,

"I'm looking forward to Salford, especially with Geraint on the start list" commented the Halfords Bikehut rider. "He was really strong at Smithfield and I was disappointed not to take the win there."

"I've looked at the Salford course and it is really tight and technical which I think will play to my advantage," he continued. "I'll definitely be out for a bit of revenge and it will be great to win so close to home. Geraint will be racing straight from the Olympics so will want to put on a show but I'm feeling good at the moment and will be up for the challenge."

Thomas may not be the only threat though, with strong squads from Plowman Craven, Rapha, Pearl Izumi, Science in Sport and Sigma Sport also in the line up.

Former National Criterium Champion James McCallum will lead a strong Plowman Craven squad, with Pearl Izumi's Jon Mozley, Landbouwkrediet pro Ed Clancy and Profel-Prorace's Matt Brammeier all capable of taking victory.

The elite event will kick off at 8.15pm finishing off a packed evening of racing and entertainment including the Cycling Weekly Support Race, Geoff Thomas Foundation Corporate Challenge and Folding Bike Race.

The event is free to the public with roller racing starting from 15:00. Full details can be found at www.salfordnocturne.com.

The Nocturne Series

The concept for The Smithfield Nocturne was to create a world class cycling event in the centre of London; a cycling event that would appeal to cyclists as well as non-cyclists, involve local businesses and blend into the famous streets in the heart of the capital.

On June 23, 2007 the first Smithfield Nocturne achieved these objectives bringing to life the streets of central London creating a new style of cycling event in the UK .

The event was recognised for its creativity and innovation at the Visit London Awards 2007, winning bronze in the Sports Tourism category.

The Smithfield Nocturne returned June 7, 2008 and the concept is growing with the Salford Nocturne on August 30, 2008. More events are planned for 2008 and 2009 with the ambition of developing the Series across the UK .

The concept for the Smithfield Nocturne was created by Rapha and Condor and the event was organised by FACE, the company behind the successful Revolution Cycling Series.

(Additional editorial assistance provided by Susan Westemeyer.)