Matt Goss to launch HTC Smithfield Nocturne

The best of British are lining to take on HTC-Columbia pro Matt Goss at the HTC Smithfield Nocturne on Saturday (June 19).

Olympic medalists Ed Clancy and Chris Newton, alongside National Road Race Champion Kristian House will saddle up and go head to head with the Australian around the closed roads of Smithfield on what promises to be a rip-roaring festival of racing this weekend.

Fresh from his stage win in the Giro d'Italia, Goss is certainly the rider to beat - and cannot wait to lock horns with the cream of British racing when he launched the series yesterday (Tuesday) alongside former Formula 1 great Jody Scheckter on specially designed Mercedes F1 modified ice cream bikes.

"To be in the heart of London and to compete against some of the best guys in Britain is not only a great challenge but a great thrill," Goss said. "The HTC Smithfield Nocturne is a little bit different, a great event and something that is growing by the year. As this launch shows there is something for everyone.

"It is a chance to see elite riders at full throttle but also for families to simply enjoy a great day's entertainment on two wheels."

Goss was on hand to help Scheckter unveil his new Mercedes F1 modified ice cream race bikes that will feature in the Laverstoke Park Ice Cream Race - one of the stand-out features of this year's event and a sure-fire crowd pleaser alongside the ‘Le Mans' start Folding Bike Race and Tokyo Fixed Gear Longest Skid competition.

"I am looking forward to seeing and riding the bikes The Mercedes F1 team adapted especially for Laverstoke's ice-creams being raced on the Smithfield's Nocturne circuit by Olympic Medalists, Ben Saunders Polar Explorer, as well as myself - The added twist of the competitors having to sell ice creams en-route will make it all the more entertaining!" says Jody Scheckter.

The food theme will continue through the Nocturne this year as the ancient St Bartholomew's Food Fair has been resurrected to enable top City restaurants to trade to hungry spectators throughout the day and evening.

And the most famous of Smithfield's restaurants - John Torode's ‘Smiths' of Smithfield will be hosting a special cycling expo from Condor and will be one of the main attractions for foodies, cycling enthusiasts and families alike.

"To be part of something like the Nocturne that is inclusive of everyone and can involve all the family is fantastic - to combine two passions like food and cycling on closed roads around Smithfield is a great way to bring people together," Torode said.

The festival starts at 3pm with racing between 5.30pm and 10pm. For more information about the series please visit www.smithfieldnocturne.com.