The Square Mile was transformed into an Olympic-style time trial cycling circuit at the weekend as Nocturne returned to the City of London.

The festival of cycling saw two days of racing around the capital, with XTX Markets winning the City Criterium – a pro-am team event – and Ned’s Club coming home first in the mixed team event. One Alexandre Voisine won the penny farthing race, sponsored by City AM.

Founder James Pope said: “The inaugural City of London Nocturne was a huge success. Over two days we turned the City streets into a spectacular race circuit to host some world-class bike racing.

“The event was inspired by the original Smithfield Nocturne I organised over 19 years ago, so it was exhilarating to see my vision for this reimagined Nocturne come to life. 

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of the City of London, Cheapside Business Alliance and all our partners. We are now excited to develop the concept for next year and for many years to come.”

Nocturne to return?

The return of Nocturne – which saw riders take in Cheapside, Bank and Gresham Street – comes a year before the Tour de France Grand Depart returns to the streets of the capital, with the women’s event set for a time trial around London before the peloton heads across the English Channel to continue their grand tour.

France’s Nina Lavenu won the women’s elite race for AG-Insurance Soudal ahead of a trio of Brits representing Handsling Development Team, Das-Hutchinson and Rapha Cycling Club.

British riders claimed the top five spots in the men’s elite race with Rapha Cycling Club’s Matthew Bostock winning ahead of Alpecin Premier Tech’s Cameron Mason and Tekkerz CC’s Alec Briggs.

The event looks to return next year and is backed by British Cycling alongside sponsors such as The Ned, Voi and Great Ormond Street.