The Tour of Britain;
Fitting Room for the Rainbow Jersey
Words and Photography by Andy Thornley
When Julian Alaphilipe climbed on to the top step of the podium in Flanders, many people were talking about his attacks that brought about the race winning move. However, it’s arguable his preparations started a fortnight earlier.
As one of the last major stage races before the World Championships, the Tour of Britain provides contenders with the opportunity to sharpen up ahead of the battle for the rainbow jersey. As a result, the calibre of riders pinning a number on at the race gets better and better each year.
For the 2021 edition, Alaphilipe was joined by fellow rainbow hopeful Wout Van Aert, as well the likes of Mark Cavendish and Rohan Dennis – two riders who have both previously worn those famous stripes.
Van Aert, speaking to Simpson before stage 5, summarised just why the British roads were such a good training ground before Flanders.
“I have done the Europeans in Glasgow before, but yeah – it’s my first time racing here. It’s exciting, its hard – basically it’s never flat actually. I like it.”
The roads certainly weren’t flat, not least the finish of stage 4 atop the Great Orme in Llandudno – a climb with grippy roads reaching 20%. Here, Van Aert rolled Alaphilipe on the line to claim the win in an exciting finale to a brutal stage.
The British hopeful for the title of World Champion came in the form of Ineos Grenadiers’ Ethan Hayter. Fresh from Silver medal success on the track at the Tokyo Olympics in addition to winning the Tour of Norway, Hayter was also duking it out for the GC at the Tour of Britain – and came within a whisker of taking the overall.
“I think I was actually better in Norway than I am here – but still pretty good” said Hayter, speaking to Simpson from the finish line on the Great Orme.
I’m just really enjoying racing my bike at the moment and its really nice to be in the UK”
Hayter is yet another graduate of the famous Herne Hill Velodrome – one of the oldest velodromes in the world. As a youth, Hayter raced weekly with Bahrain Victorious rider Fred Wright for Velo Club Londres (VCL). They also faced riders like Tom Pidcock when they came to race there for youth races.
“Until I was about 18 or 19, I didn’t think about being a full-time cyclist and I was just doing it for fun. You obviously enjoy racing and enjoy racing hard, but it’s quite a social thing, like track league is as much a social event as it is racing and training.”
Another graduate of both Track League and VCL racing the Tour was Trinity Racing’s Tom Gloag – a precocious talent who finished fourth at the Baby Giro this year. We asked Hayter how he found being a pro rider in a bunch alongside the faces he’s grown up with.
“I find myself drifting back and chatting. I keep bumping in to Tom and I loved it when he attacked on the Cat 1 climb with Marc Soler – that’s pretty cool isn’t it?”
Hayter’s humility shines and his easy-going manner and softly spoken voice betray his ruthless ability to climb, sprint and TT with the best.
“It’s just crazy to see everyone around you stepping up. You know, even in the pros the guys I was racing with as juniors are all winning races themselves. It’s a really weird change to get used to for a new generation.”
Another rider making a name for himself was Alpecin-Fenix’s Ben Tullet, who had just announced his move next season to Ineos Grenadiers.
Tullet’s progression came through another South London team known for developing riders – Team Tekkerz. Set up by Alec Briggs, the team races hard across several disciplines in their iconic fade kit, but with a focus on enjoying the sport and inspiring others.
“Alec is a massive role model for me since day one”, said Tullet.
“Since I’ve been involved with the sport he’s always someone I’ve looked up to, so it was always really special to be part of his Tekkerz team and to see how big he’s become in the cycling now. He’s such a good role model for young aspiring riders like myself and people younger than me.”
Tullet’s rise is similar to that of Hayter’s and the rapid progression has not escaped him.
“I completely skipped the under 23 ranks and went directly pro, so it was going to be a big step and I feel like I’m progressing up that ladder nicely and I’m happy with that.
“I’m super excited about my next chapter, I can’t wait to get stuck in, but in the meantime I’m going to stay focused on Alpecin-Fenix and get the best out of the remainder of the season.”
For riders like Gloag and Tullet – with obvious talent and potential to grow further, the Tour of Britain gives them the opportunity to race against the very best cycling has to offer. For Hayter, it gives him the chance to measure himself up against the very best.
This just goes to show, it’s not just the riders of today using the Tour of Britain as a fitting room for the rainbow jersey – it also includes the riders of tomorrow.