A Hackney woman claimed her four-legged friend was the real winner after they were crowned Concours d’Elegance champions at a cycling festival in London.

Hackney Gazette: Hackney's Leanne Tritton was a winner at the Rapha Nocturne London cycling festivalHackney's Leanne Tritton was a winner at the Rapha Nocturne London cycling festival (Image: Archant)

Leanne Tritton, 50, and her West Highland terrier Iggy sealed the public vote at Rapha Nocturne London – a day-to-night festival for elite and amateur cyclists on the streets of the capital.

The Concours d’Elegance invited participants to don their most stylish outfits to cycle round Guildhall, Cheapside and St Paul’s, where they were judged on their elegance, best bike and most considerate cycling style.

Tritton rode the route with two-year-old Iggy in a basket on the back and said: “I entered the Concours d’Elegance last year and it was so much fun. This year, I decided I’d bring Iggy along.

“She cycles with me all the time in her basket, and I thought it would be something fresh to show people that not all cyclists are aggressive – we’re quite passive!

Hackney Gazette: Hackney's Joe Brown was in action at the Rapha Nocturne London cycling festivalHackney's Joe Brown was in action at the Rapha Nocturne London cycling festival (Image: Archant)

“I don’t feel I’ve won though, I think it’s Iggy that has won. She’s the one who wins all the hearts.

“When I was cycling the course, I got the same reaction I always get with Iggy. When people see her, she melts their hearts.

“The Rapha Nocturne is incredible, it’s amazing the streets of the City of London have been closed for this event. It allows people to enjoy seeing all the different types of cycling.”

Established in 2007, the Rapha Nocturne London offers a diverse programme of cycling, with elite criteriums featuring Olympic medalists and world champions.

And Tritton wasn’t the only Hackney resident on the podium, as 29-year-old Joe Brown finished second in the folding bike race.

“It feels great to finish second. This was my best placing so far, I was third a couple of years back – I’ve not enjoyed good form since then,” said Brown, who works for Brompton Bicycles in Greenford.

“I have too many Bromptons. I played around with other categories, including track, but I didn’t really get into it. The best thing about the Nocturne is you can turn up, ride the same course as the elite riders.

“It’s really exciting. It’s inclusive, everyone talks, has a laugh and where else can you race in the heart of the city? It’s brilliant – I’m absolutely coming back next year.”

The Rapha Nocturne London is part of a World Criterium Series with the next leg in Copenhagen on August 19. For more details see raphanocturne.com.