Folding bike fanatics will converge on Edinburgh on Saturday (July 3) for the second instalment of this year's Nocturne series - faced with a gruelling challenge on the cobbled Grassmarket course.
Competitors in the Marshalls Pasta sponsored extravaganza on Saturday will face three laps of the course instead of the five at the Smithfield Nocturne last weekend but each lap will test every ounce of courage and competitive instinct over the cobbles.
The Dahon-sponsored Smithfield event was won by Keith Henderson on his Dahon. He emerged from a diverse field of riders that included an international team from Spain and stag party dressed as Wolverine!
"I think it is fair to say the folding bike race is the best example of cycling humanity coming together under one banner, getting stuck in and racing - it really is something different and as the Smithfield event showed it attracts anyone and everyone," said James Pope from the event organisers the Face Partnership.
"Five laps at Smithfield was tough but three across the cobbles will be a real test and I am sure bring out the best in the riders - it will be a highlight race of the Edinburgh Nocturne this year, I am sure of that."
Enrique Casanovas will once again come all the way from Spain for the event and he will be joined by Karl Jermyn, Finance Director of Marshalls Pasta, who will also be racing.
"We are obviously delighted to sponsor the folding bike race at the Edinburgh Nocturne," said Jermyn.
"There is no better way for a sponsor to get maximum impact and understanding of the event than by taking part - so I will be on the start line with all the other competitors ready for the ride of my life!
"I cannot wait for the experience. To race on closed roads around such a beautiful setting as Edinburgh is an experience not to be missed - I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge."
Official Folding Bike partners, Dahon, have provided Karl with a top of the range bike to tackle the race helping to provide as much advantage as possible.
Marshalls Pasta will also be in the expo area helping to fuel the competitors with free hot samples of their Macaroni Pasta Pots.
The event kicks off at 6pm and is free to attend. Other races include the Elite Criterium, Cycling Weekly Support Race and Edinburgh Team Challenge. For more information go to www.edinburghnocturne.com
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