Triple Olympic champion Ed Clancy hopes the return of major city-centre criterium racing through the City of London Nocturne can help drive a new wave of interest in British cycling. The professionals took to the streets on Saturday evening, with Matt Bostock taking victory in the men's race, and Clancy believes the event has laid the foundations for more in the future.
A golden age of British cycling
Clancy won three consecutive Olympic team pursuit titles between 2008 and 2016, during a golden age of British cycling on both the track and the road. The Barnsley-born rider was also twice a Nocturne winner, including the final race in 2018 until the event was revived this year. Now retired, Clancy took part in the Pro-Am Great Ormond Street Hospital City Criterium as he rolled back the years to clinch victory for the XTX Markets team.
“This event has been away for a while, so it’s great to see this new event created,” he said. “It’s been created with a lot of effort from organisers and support from the City of London. I hope it’s well received by both the public and the cycling community so it can continue.”
Importance of domestic road racing
Clancy emphasised the significance of such events for domestic road racing. “Events like this are incredibly important for domestic road racing. It’s not just about the elite races, things like the family ride are just as important. It’s about getting people involved at every level, and that’s really good to see.”
He reflected on the fluctuations in domestic cycling over the past two decades. “Domestic cycling has had its ups and downs over the last 20 years. After the 2012 Olympics, there was a huge boom, and everything stepped up a level. Since then, it’s been more inconsistent. I really hope this event continues to grow and becomes a key part of the cycling calendar again.”
Clancy's return to London
Clancy now works as an active travel commissioner in his native South Yorkshire, meaning while he is not racing anymore, he still manages to get out on his bike. The 41-year-old could not pass up the opportunity to return to the city where he had his most famous days in sport, winning two medals at the London 2012 Olympics.
“It’s a fantastic setting,” he added. “Racing through the City of London, especially in the evening, is something special. Even just coming down to watch, it’s a great experience.”
“Every time I come back to London, I’m reminded of 2012. Driving into the city this morning brought back a lot of memories. That period was such a high point. Even though this is in a different part of London, the atmosphere of closed roads and big crowds still feels special.”
The charity race experience
Clancy took to the 1.3km course for the final 10 laps of the charity race, clinching victory for his team after he was spurred on by some old-fashioned competitive spirit. “The race itself was great fun,” he said. “We were all laughing and joking before the start, but as soon as the flag dropped, it was completely different; everyone went flat out. It was the same with the pros at the end.”
“We went full gas the whole time and ended up winning by only two seconds, so it was really tight. I just had to hang on and do what I could. Tactically, I knew there was no point giving others a turn because they’d take advantage when you’re already struggling.”
