12 July 2012 |
Two-time Giro d’Italia winner to start ‘hardest yet’ Tour of Britain this September
Team Liquigas – Cannondale will take part in their first Tour of Britain this September, led by Italian rider Ivan Basso, who will also be making his debut in the race, tipped to be the ‘hardest yet’ edition of Britain’s greatest race.
The 34-year old, who has twice won Italy’s biggest race, the Giro d’Italia, is currently competing in the Tour de France.
Thanks to the team’s huge success this season, Liquigas – Cannondale are currently ranked third in the UCI World Tour standings prior to the start of the Tour de France, where the team has so far won three stages through Peter Sagan.
Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race Director said, “We are delighted to have the Liquigas – Cannondale team participate in The Tour of Britain for the first time. The inclusion of such a high-profile team led by two-time winner of Giro d’Italia, Ivan Basso, underlines the growing status of The Tour of Britain and its importance to pro cycling teams.”
The Tour of Britain starts on Ipswich’s Waterfront on Sunday 9th September, as East Anglia hosts the Grand Depart of Britain’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event. England, Scotland and Wales all feature on the eight-day route, before Surrey hosts the final stage, with Guildford’s uphill cobbled High Street the finish for Stage Eight on Sunday 16th September.
The identity of the remaining riders in Liquigas – Cannondale’s provisional Tour of Britain line-up will be announced later in the Summer, along with further news on the other teams and riders taking part in the ninth edition of the modern Tour of Britain.
To take on the challenge of a route inspired by this year’s Tour of Britain, and get the full professional experience with support from Specialized and Maxifuel, sign-up for a Tour Ride at www.tourride.co.uk
