There are good reasons why cycling has reached such a level of popularity in Great Britain. Within just a few years, the country produced three Tour de France winners in Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas. Then there were the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Yorkshire in 2014.
Just imagine what it would be like in Germany if three German riders had won the Tour de France within a similar period.
First Participation in the Tour of Britain
This season, it finally became a reality. BIKE AID received its first invitation to the Tour of Britain.
The race is part of the UCI ProSeries, the highest level of racing open to a Continental team, directly below the Tour de France. Numerous world-class teams, international TV coverage and five days of racing at the highest level.
In British towns, the pavements were packed with spectators. People stood outside their homes, children waited behind the barriers and the atmosphere around the starts and finishes was incredible. So much for the reserved Brits.
And then there was the scenery on the mountain stage towards Scotland. Narrow roads, green hills and that unmistakably British landscape. The kind of images we had previously only known from television, but this time experienced from inside the race.
A Brutal Race
The Tour of Britain was extremely hard. UAE, INEOS, Decathlon, NSN and Soudal Quick-Step fought intensely for stage wins and the overall victory.
It was not easy for our riders to make their mark in a field like this. They gave everything, showed themselves in breakaways and raced aggressively throughout BIKE AID’s first appearance at the Tour of Britain.
We would also have loved to give some of our African riders the opportunity to race on this stage. Since Brexit, however, making that happen has become far from straightforward.
Expectations Confirmed
Our expectations for this race were high. After five days, we can say they were fully confirmed. A great race, euphoric crowds, impressive landscapes and world-class cycling. For BIKE AID, receiving this invitation and being part of the Tour of Britain for the first time was something special.
We would very much like to come back in 2027.
Photo copyright: swpix.com
Stage 1 Highlights
