Feeling VERY fit? Why not race a Boris bike around Smithfield Market?

If you’ve ever puffed up the slightest incline on a clunky Boris Bike you’ll probably shrink from this challenge.

Thirty intrepid Barclays Cycle Hire riders are to line up in east London on June 7 for the first official Boris bike race, part of London Nocturne.

The athletes will race five laps around Smithfield Market -- just one of a series of sprint and endurance events fought out by amateur and elite cyclists.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "Exactly a month before the Tour de France rolls into our great city, the London Nocturne will kick-start another sensational summer of cycling in the capital."
 
Other races will feature Penny Farthings and track bikes, and for spectators there’s a cycling expo area, food stalls and live music throughout the evening.

Last summer saw 15,000 fans ringing 1.1km circuit to watch Tom Scully win the Elite Criterium ahead of Alex Dowsett while Hannah Barnes was victorious in the Rapha Elite Women's Criterium.

To be in with a chance of securing a place, check for updates on the Transport for London Facebook page.