Morven Yeoman celebrated the return of the City of London Nocturne after securing third place in the iconic race's first edition since 2018. The 22-year-old Scottish cyclist hopes the event becomes a regular fixture in the cycling calendar once again.
The city-centre criterium race was a staple during the 2010s but was last raced in 2018 before making its spectacular return in 2026. For Yeoman, the chance to race around the iconic streets of the City of London was one she relished, and she took the opportunity with both hands, finishing behind Nina Lavenu and Kate Richardson.
“It was amazing,” she said. “The atmosphere was great, and the course was really, really cool, like nothing I’ve ever really experienced before. Racing in central London isn’t something you get to do very often.”
“For riders in their early 20s, this kind of event hasn’t really been around, so it’s really special to be part of it now. I didn’t fully realise the history of the race, as I was quite young when it was last held, so yeah, to experience it now feels pretty unique. I’d love to see it back on the calendar year after year.”
Yeoman looked assured amongst a star-studded field that included British National Circuit Race champion Richardson and Olympic medallist Josie Knight. The Scottish cyclist, who hails from Strathaven, more than held her own to cross just behind Lavenu and Richardson.
The result continued the strong form that saw her secure a breakthrough win at the Lincoln GP last month, as she looks to make her name in the world of professional cycling.
“I’m really happy with the podium,” she added. “I didn’t quite know what to expect coming into the first crit of the season, so to come away with a result like that is great.”
“The season’s been going really well. I won Lincoln a couple of months ago, so it’s been a bit of a dream season so far.”
“A lot of that comes down to hard work over the winter, but also just being happy. I really enjoy training now, pushing hard, doing my efforts, getting everything done. I put a lot of that down to the support from my family and my partner, and just being in a good place. That’s made a big difference.”
