British Cycling has confirmed the six riders who will represent the Great Britain Cycling Team at the forthcoming OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
Ben Swift will line-up in Great Britain colours for the Grand Depart in Carmarthenshire on 2nd September, alongside world and European track cycling champion Ethan Hayter and Steve Williams, both of whom have recently signed as stagiaires for Team Sky and Bahrain Merida Pro Cycling Team respectively.
British Cycling’s senior academy riders Matt Bostock, Joe Nally and Fred Wright complete the team.
Keith Lambert, senior academy men’s endurance coach, said: “The Tour of Britain is an important event on our racing calendar each season because of the valuable opportunities for development it offers to our academy riders.
“This year, I’m really pleased to have WorldTour rider Ben Swift on the team. Ben has over ten years’ experience of racing in the professional peloton, so this is a chance for the other team members to learn from Ben how to manage themselves during a stage race.
“The race attracts some of the biggest names in professional road racing and I know our riders are excited for the chance to race against the likes of Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome amongst others. I’m looking forward to seeing them get stuck into the racing and doing what they can to support Ben.”
Ben Swift said: “I’ve had the opportunity to represent the Great Britain Cycling Team at a couple of races this year, and I can’t wait to do so again at the Tour of Britain. The crowds are always unbelievable and it’s a great feeling to wear Great Britain colours at a ‘home’ race. I’ve also quite enjoyed being on a team with younger riders and being able to offer them advice when they’ve needed it, it’s been rewarding and it’s something I’m looking forward to being able to do once more at the Tour of Britain.”
Great Britain Cycling Team for OVO Energy Tour of Britain 2018:
Matt Bostock (21)
Ethan Hayter (19)
Joe Nally (19)
Ben Swift (30)
Steve Williams (22)
Fred Wright (19)
