The 2009 Newport Nocturne cycling race has been postponed because race organiser Mick Jeggo has to undergo treatment for bone marrow cancer.
ADVERTISER EXCLUSIVE BY JASON LAVAN
The biannual race is a fixture on the town calendar and pulls in thousands of visitors, along with many top cycling stars.
The 2009 event will now take place on September 4, 2010.
Mick, aged 69, was diagnosed with myeloma earlier this year and will visit both Birmingham and Shrewsbury hospitals for treatment.
Doctors told the owner of Davies & Jeggo Cars that he could be out of action for a few months after treatment, which starts in two weeks.
Speaking exclusively to the Advertiser Mick said: “We have had to make a decision and postpone the Nocturne and we couldn’t leave it any later as it wouldn’t have been fair to the sponsors and the people who travel so far to see it.
“I have myeloma, which is bone marrow cancer, and although it’s been caught early I’m already undergoing chemotherapy and I’ve been warned I might not feel too well for three to six months after treatment,” he said.
But the postponement also means next year’s race will be back bigger and better than ever before.
Mick added: “Next year is going to be bigger and better. I have been in contact with a very big sponsor who might come on board.
“We have had some special riders here in recent years, such as Mark Cavendish, and the event is one of the best in the country so I’m sure we’ll attract a few big names next year.
“It does also give us a bit more time to get a few more sponsors on board and we can be ahead of the game for next year.
“All of the sponsors for this year, like Newport Town Council and the Shropshire Star, have been great and said they will wait until next year.
“I was a bit worried about that because we are a small set up, even though the event is one of the top three cycling events in the country.
“It’s just myself and my son Nick promoting it. We do have some excellent volunteers, but because Nick and I deal with all of the contacts, it takes a lot of time.
“It’s not just about organising the race, we have to look at booking hotels and sorting out various other bits and pieces, mainly because it attracts 15,000 people into the town.
Town Mayor Councillor Roy Scammell said he was sad to see the Nocturne postponed but added the £8,000 given to the event by the council will still be handed over next year.
He said: “I’m very sorry to hear Mick is not well and I wish him all the best.
“He does a fantastic job with the Nocturne and pulls in thousands of people. We look forward to it next year.”