Smithfield Nocturne Folding Bike Race

Photos: Larry Hickmott (British Cycling)

Every year on a Saturday summer evening, a crowd gathers in the Smithfield district of London to watch the Smithfield Nocturne Bicycle Races. Here, all types of cyclists from amateur to professional race along the asphalt surrounding the historical Smithfield market area to see just who is fastest on London's inner-city streets. In 2009, Keith Henderson won the amateur category in the folding bike race, making it his second victory in a row.

Can you provide a little background about yourself?

I'm 35, and originate from Scotland, but I spent my youth growing up in the South of England, and then Bahrain, before moving back to Scotland for secondary schooling. I have a degree in Three Dimensional Design and work as a Production Manager and on product development projects for Vitsœ, the London based company who produce the 606 Universal Shelving System which was Designed by Dieter Rams in 1960.

How many bike races do you enter in a year and typically what kind of races are they?

I am a member of the Southborough Wheelers, and take part in some of their Time Trials throughout the year. I also enter Sportives - two years ago I did the 'Hell of the Ashdown' in February, the 'Dragon Ride' in June and then the 'Etape du Tour' in July. The two Smithfield Nocturne folding bike races are the only road racing style events I've ever entered.

This is your second win at the Smithfield Nocturne. What is your secret to winning the race?

It's such a short tight course that tactics and positioning definitely play a part. One thing I've not done, is try to be the first in the sprint for the bikes. I'm not a runner, and my elbows don't fly as high as some of the other competitors! So, it's best to leave them to it and hope that I can unfold my bike quickly with no problems and do the catching up on the bike.

Why a folding bike?

About four years ago, I entered my first Cyclo Sportive on a mountain bike, which resulted in the purchase of a road bike. Having moved to Tunbridge Wells, I now commute to London by train and use a bike at either end. About three years ago, the train companies banned full-size bikes during rush hour, so I was forced into the world of folding bikes. Two months of research later I was the proud owner of a Dahon having concluded that they had the best bike for me.

Tell us about the bike you ride.

I ride the Mu SL because for daily commuting on a train it is absolutely ideal. It's very light for carrying down the train platform, it's very quick and easy to fold, and above all it rides more like a proper bike. The super light wheels are very tough and are fantastic at dealing with the very bumpy roads in London. They are still completely true after three years of riding. Also, I have never had to adjust the gears in three years of use.

To find out more about the Nocturne Series of urban bicycle races please visit http://www.nocturneseries.com/index.html.