David Millar is riding the Newport Nocturne! Here's the press release, even though we've just summed it up in seven words. This should pad the website out nicely.

Another Tour Star for Newport Nocturne!

Yet another top rider has decided to ride next Saturday's Shropshire Star Newport Nocturne. David Millar of the Saunier Duval team is interupting his continental programme in order to ride the famous Shropshire event.

This means that all four British riders from this years Tour de France will be taking part in the floodlit event. Promoter Nick Jeggo said "It's been a fantastic year for British cycling with the Tour de France starting in London and more Brits than for many years taking part in it. Cycling in the UK is going from strength to strength so it's fantastic for bike fans that we have the top British pros coming to Newport."

Millar will take part in the "Battle for Beijing" a one lap time trial against the other Tour riders, plus Simon Holt, Newport's local cycling star and Rob Hayles an Olympic medallist and World Champion who is sponsored by local firm, Parker International. It is also likely that Millar, together with the other continentals, will line up for the main Pro/Elite circuit race.

Britain's only floodlit cycle race, the Shropshire Star Newport Nocturne takes place at 6.45pm on Saturday 1st September see www.bikerace.co.uk for details.

Nocturne Beer Prize is Worth the Weight!

Apart from a big cash prize, the winner of the Shropshire Star Newport Nocturne gets a very unusual award - his own weight in beer!

The idea first came about in 2001, when promoter Nick Jeggo, saw an article about a continental race where the winner was given his weight in the local cheese. The thing is, who needs that much cheese? Surely liquid refreshment would be more appealing!

Local company Classic Furniture agreed to contruct some giant scales and the Landlord of the Pheasant Pub in Newport, Paul Quinn, stepped in to provide the beer. Since then, it has become something of a tradition and the race has become well known for this unusual extra incentive for the riders. Of course, honed cyclists don't weigh that much so there is usually a young lady to help the winner gain a few pints more.

Britain's only floodlit cycle race, the Shropshire Star Newport Nocturne takes place at 6.45pm on Saturday 1st September see www.bikerace

Millar will be the only rider whose shiny white legs will be visible even if the floodlights break.