What do you do when your sponsorship deal with arguably the world's most successful pro cycling team runs out?
In Rapha's case, it seems the answer is return to your roots. After four years touring the world with Team Sky, the premium cycling brand are back in London as title sponsors of Rapha Nocturne, the night-time crit race they helped found in 2007.
Rapha Nocturne London will take place on Saturday 10 June. As part of a three-year strategic partnership, Rapha and FACE Partnership will also launch events in other international cities to create the Rapha Nocturne Series.
"The series will bring the exhilaration and thrill of riding and racing in the heart of the city, through the day and into the night" say Rapha.
"At the Rapha Nocturne fans will be able to get up close to their cycling heroes and rising stars, and get involved in the festivities trackside with music, exhibitions and parties around the course. During the day, roads will be packed with rides around the city, and riders of all ages and abilities will be able to take to the city circuit to get a taste of what the pros will experience into the night.
"As the sun starts to set, the programme of events on and around the circuit will ramp up, culminating in the elite race held under the stars, and night rides heading into the countryside."
The elite race will take place on a 1.3km course with the finish straight on Cheapside against the backdrop of St Paul's Cathedral. The course is 250m longer than the Smithfield circuit used in previous years, and spectators will benefit from improved access with Tube and rail links nearby.
Rapha promise there will be plenty of bars and restaurants to keep the party going, including One New Change located right on the finish line, while participants can enjoy their own bar and entertainment at the rider village in Guildhall Yard.
And of course, Rapha will also be offering a range of exclusive event merchandise to commemorate the 2017 Rapha Nocturne Series.
James Pope, CEO of Nocturne organisers, FACE Partnership said: "The Nocturne was originally created with Rapha and Condor Cycles so there has always been a strong connection to Rapha and their brand values. We have successfully grown the London Nocturne into the world's most prestigious Criterium race and we are excited to collaborate with Rapha to take this to the next level and create new Nocturne events in some of the world's most iconic cities."
Simon Mottram, Founder and CEO of Rapha, added: "We are delighted to return to the Nocturne with FACE Partnership. We are also excited to be creating an international series of events that can inspire the future of racing, challenging convention and traditional race settings and formats.
"We want to attract thousands of people, with rides to the event, time with the pros, and dedicated sessions to promote involvement in cycling for all ages and abilities."
A full race schedule, events and rides will be announced soon on the Rapha Nocturne website, along with details of the international editions of the series.
Welcome back to the dark side, Rapha.
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