Sean McKenna is one of the An Post Chainreaction Irish riders set for a major test at the Tour of Britain starting this weekend. He is in the team with a line-up that includes compatriots Damien Shaw and Matt Teggart. The race includes WorldTour outfits including Team Sky (Photo: Sean Rowe)
An Post Chainreaction look to impact Tour of Britain
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An Post Chainreaction manager Kurt Bogaerts has said the Tour of Britain represents an opportunity for his Irish riders to step up.
Bogaerts believes the race, which starts in Edinburgh on Sunday, is one the Continental team can influence.
And he is targeting classification jerseys and breakaway rides as his charges go up against some of the biggest teams in the pro game.
The team includes three Irishmen; Damien Shaw, Matt Teggart and Sean McKenna. With them are Jacob Scott, Regan Gough and Mark Stewart.
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“Teggart rode very aggressively in the European Championships. And comes to this race in very good shape,” said Bogaerts.
“Scott has been going really well in his last few races and is very strong. They will be the two key riders in the team.
“McKenna and Shaw have made good progression over the season. And this will be a fantastic opportunity for them to show where they are on an international level."
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Bogaerts continued: “The race is on Stewart’s turf. The route passes only a few miles away from his hometown in Scotland.
“Gough completes the team and comes into this race as ground work for the World Championship time trial.”
While he has strong riders at his disposal, Bogaerts says the riders must attack the race of they can.
“This is the highest race the team can do this season,” he said of an event featuring WorldTour squads.
“Like previous years, we know we will have to ride aggressively. (We’ll try to) be there in the breakaways and try to take a king of the mountains or a sprint jersey home.
“We have proved in the past that we are capable of making an impact in this type of race. So I am hopeful the team can achieve a lot at the Tour of Britain.”
Damien Shaw on Tour of Britain
Shaw, who rode so well in the early part of the year, is perhaps the dark horse in the team.
“My goal is to make the Tour of Britain,” he said. “It’s a fantastic race and we are lucky to be part of it.”
The team is well prepared, with a number of training camps under its belt of late.
A high intensity altitude camp in July was followed by further success. Mark Stewart won the individual pursuit at the European Championships.
The Tour of Britain follows a second altitude camp this summer; one they hope can bring them more in the peloton.
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