London Nocturne Criterium Set for Grand Return in 2026

Experience the Thrill: The City of London Nocturne Returns with Global Ambitions

A Storied Past and a Bright Future: The Return of a Cycling Classic

The renowned London criterium, previously known as the Smithfield Nocturne, is set to be re-established in 2026. This event boasts a distinguished list of past champions, including prominent figures like Geraint Thomas, Ed Clancy, Katie Archibald, and Hannah Barnes. Under its new moniker, the City of London Nocturne, the competition will unfold over two days, specifically on June 12-13, aiming to rekindle its legacy as a premier cycling spectacle.

Visionary Leadership: James Pope's Ambitious Plans for the Nocturne

James Pope, the driving force behind the original Nocturne from 2007 to 2018, is once again at the helm. He is committed to attracting a world-class roster of cyclists to the heart of England's capital. A key aspect of his vision includes securing television broadcast coverage for the event, with the goal of significantly enhancing the profile of the UK cycling landscape.

Revitalization and Expansion: A Collaborative Effort for a Grand Event

The initiative to bring back the Nocturne originated from the City of London Corporation, who approached Pope last year, expressing a strong desire to reintroduce a marquee cycling event. Inspired by this enthusiasm, Pope proposed an ambitious expansion: a two-day format and an innovative race circuit. This new course will wind through the iconic Bank junction, offering a stunning backdrop of London's skyline, with St Paul's Cathedral at one end and the Bank of England and Royal Exchange at the other.

A Festival of Cycling: Diverse Races and International Participation

The two-day program is designed as a comprehensive cycling festival, featuring a variety of events on a closed road circuit. This includes a corporate challenge to engage local businesses, family-friendly races, and unique 'fun races' for participants on penny-farthings and folding bikes. The highlight of the event will be Saturday evening's elite men's and women's races, which have already secured their place on the UCI calendar.

UCI Classification and Global Reach: Attracting Top-Tier Teams

Both elite races will be classified as 'CRTP - Pro Criterium,' a designation shared with events such as the Tour de France Saitama and Singapore Criteriums, meaning they do not award UCI ranking points. However, Pope emphasized that UCI registration is crucial for inviting prestigious WorldTour and ProTour teams to compete, ensuring a high level of international talent. He anticipates a strong field, predominantly composed of domestic riders, complemented by a select group of international WorldTour athletes.

Elevating the Sport: Broadcasting and Future Expansion

Pope's plans also include televising the elite criteriums through a traditional broadcaster. This strategic move aims to provide valuable visibility for teams and their sponsors. He believes this initiative will offer a significant boost to the UK racing scene, creating a vital link between grassroots events and major international tours. Looking ahead, Pope intends to establish the City of London Nocturne as an annual fixture, with aspirations to replicate its success in other major UK cities, taking a measured, step-by-step approach to growth.