An inaugural penny farthing race will form part of this year’s London Nocturne on Saturday 11 June. Competitors from across the globe will compete in both a sprint and endurance race in the Smithfield Market area as they bid to win the Ordinary Trophy, and a saddle from race sponsors Brooks.
The sprint race will cover a one-mile course, with the start scheduled for 5.45pm, while the endurance race will be 30 minutes (plus five laps) around the same circuit from 8.20pm. A parade of antique bikes will take place shortly before the sprint race at 5.30pm.
Entry to both races is £15 and they're open to anyone, although only experienced penny farthing riders are advised to enter. The fee includes a race jersey, a pre-ride reception, refreshments and insurance.
The penny farthing races form part of the London Nocturne, which will be televised this year on Sky Sports. Other events include a folding bike race, a team time trial and a men’s and women’s elite criterium. The latter will feature riders from WorldTour teams, as well as top British squads. They're open to anyone, but entry is dependent on the level you're at.
Nocturne founder James Pope said: “We try to introduce a new feature race each year so we jumped at the chance to include penny racing in the programme. There's an established penny farthing community across the world and we'll have competitors from USA, Europe and even Tasmania travelling to London to race. One penny farthing is enough to turn heads so having 30 of them race on the London streets will be spectacular.”
To enter any of the races, visit www.londonnocturne.com.
