London Cycle Couriers Race

The bicycle messengers (or cycle courier) have served London businesses for over 40 years the original idea came from New York in the mid-eighties. According to their website they generating annual revenues worth £45 million, which perhaps explains why sometimes we see they skip red lights, cycle on pavements, speeding up a one-way street the incorrect way to name a few. The race was held as part of the first-ever “Smithfield Nocturne” cycle festive which was around the famous old Smithfield meat market in the City of London. As we all know, the fastest riders are not necessarily the best messengers, so the organisers come up with a sneaking plan designed to test several qualities of the couriers. The riders needed to display good speed, quick thinking, route planning and a willingness to change plans ‘on the hoof’ Five teams consisting of four team members, each of whom had to complete a leg of the relay. Each rider had to arrive at a station lock his bike up and get his paperwork signed, unlock his bike and then off. There were four stations around the mile track and the couriers didn’t know where they were until they received the paperwork just before the race. The race started in dry conditions and then the heavens opened and a torrid rain storm weeded out the men from the boys. In the end,​ the Creative courier company based in Berwick Street London won the race in just over 20 minutes.