Newport Nocturne provides business boost as town packed for floodlit race - GALLERY and VIDEO
Thousands of people lined the streets of Newport last night to watch some of the country's best cyclists battle it out under the lights.
Returning after a four-year break, this year's event was bigger and better than ever with around 90 participants in the elite races watched by huge crowds throughout the town.
And for the first time amateur cyclists were able to ride the cobbled town-centre circuit before the pros hit the course.
Team NJC-Biemme-Echelon then claimed all three podium spots in the women's event, with Nikki Juniper finishing the 16 laps fastest, before World and European champion Ed Clancy won the inaugural 'supersprint' race.
Andy Tennant then came first in the main men's race, finishing just ahead of Canyon Eisberg teammate Charles Page. Tennant's winning 24-lap time was one hour three minutes and 11 seconds.
GALLERY: Newport Nocturne 2018 in pictures
On the microphone for the evening was Wolverhampton cycling legend Hugh Porter and there was great entertainment for the crowds when the winners climbed onto giant balance scales to claim their weight in beer.
The event, which began in 1989, is one of the biggest in the region and is staged in a town with huge cycling pedigree with both Newport Cycling Club and Nova Raiders having over 250 members.
Organiser Nick Jeggo paid tribute to the community for once again backing the big event.
He said: "It is a massive event for a town like Newport, and has been getting bigger every year.
"We haven't done it for four years and have added little bits for this year and it has been a huge success.
"We get good backing from the town council, the county council and other people and it has been a huge effort to get this on.
"It has been myself and by wife Diane organising it with a host of people involved.
"We're grateful to all the support and it is great to see so many people come out for it."
WATCH: Newport Nocturne 2018 in video
The event was extra special as the community remembered Nick's father, Mick, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 77.
He was the founder of the nocturne and would often compere the event.
Nick said: "It is a kind of tribute to him.
"He founded this event and was passionate about cycling.
"He got me into cycling all those years around and he would always be found on the mic with one of his good friends."
Local businesses were bustling throughout the evening, with shops and cafes staying open late as the event provided an economic boost for traders.
Janette Caulton and her husband John, who were selling programmes and are part of Nova Raiders, said: "We just got into the club a few years ago after an event.
"It is big in Newport, and to have an event the size of this in a town like Newport, a small market town is fantastic to see."
Taking part in the community ride was Tim Nelson, a local and borough councillor to the area.
He said: "This event is huge for Newport, we have two cycling clubs and so many people come out to support this.
"It has grown and grown and credit must go to Nick and Di, who are stalwarts of this event and have done so much for it.
"It is not only a good event, but shows how big cycling is here and how much sustainable transport is used."
