New cities onboard with Nocturne Series

The 2009 Nocturne Series locations and dates are now confirmed with two additions to join the award-winning Smithfield Nocturne.

The Edinburgh Nocturne will kick things off on May 30 followed by Smithfield on June 6 with the Blackpool Nocturne taking place on August 1. Event organiser FACE decided to build on the pedigree of the Smithfield Nocturne and focus on developing world class stand alone Nocturne events.

"Our focus is on quality and not quantity," said Event Director James Pope. "We have three events in exciting city locations that span the UK and our vision is to establish these as the premier criterium events on the calendar, events that blend entertainment and performance sport."

"We are building exciting partnerships with the City of London, Blackpool Council and Edinburgh City Council with the aim of developing the Nocturnes as major events in the sporting calendar," he said.

To help achieve this objective FACE are intending on bringing some continental star quality to the racing,

"We are in the process of signing up some well known international pros to take on the strong British teams and we are specifically billing the Blackpool Nocturne as a post Tour de France criterium with some of the stars of the Tour expected to race," said Pope.

The Edinburgh Nocturne will take place around the Grassmarket area and will feature a Belgian-style cobbled finish straight and short climb. Smithfield will continue to take place around the historic Smithfield Market in the heart of the capital, and the Blackpool Nocturne will be raced around the north shore promenade and Blackpool Tower.

Each event will provide a range of support races and feature events including Rollapaluza Roller Racing and a Folding Bike Race.

For more information, visit www.nocturneseries.com