Dan Martin and Ryan Mullen bring the Irish contingent in the Tour of Britain to five. And while Martin could pounce on any stage if he chooses, one of the stages is tailor made for Ryan Mullen.
Tour of Britain TT stage made for Ryan Mullen
Ireland’s Dan Martin and Ryan Mullen are looking for stage wins at the Tour of Britain, but for very different reasons.
Mullen’s Cannondale-Drapac team is in a fight for survival at present and is desperate for victories.
Martin is coming back after the Tour de France and looking to get back on top as he faces the crucial end of season period.
He has not raced since his 6th place overall at the Tour de France in July; fractured vertebrae from a crash in that event forcing him to rest.
His late season goals include the Tour of Lombardy, which he won in 2014, and the World Championships.
Advertisement
And a good performance in Britain would get that late season period off to a great start.
"It's always special to ride what is effectively a home race in the Tour of Britain,” said Birmingham born and raised Martin.
“Always so many fans, a great atmosphere and a testing course. I'm excited to get back to racing following the enforced break I had after the Tour de France.
“It will be a hard race, but we're coming here with a strong team. And I'm motivated to look after opportunities and get a good result."
Ryan Mullen has a perfect opportunity to take his first pro win - outside the national championships - at the Tour of Britain next Thursday.
Related News
Dan Martin could strike at any time in Britain. The best opportunity for Ryan Mullen is, without question, the TT.
Next Thursday's stage 5 test in Tendring is absolutely made for the Irish road and TT champion.
It’s Mullen’s preferred distance, at 16km, and it’s over his favourite terrain; pan flat roads.
The team has created a crowdfunding campaign in its bid to keep afloat. It came about after a promised sponsor for next year withdrew.
The Fairly Group has promised to match whatever the team raises through its funding campaign.
As a consequence, the team’s future looks brighter than it did last weekend when the riders were told they could look for other teams.
Taking a victory under such pressure would give Cannondale-Drapac a major boost are the right time.
Mullen is definitely capable of winning the Tour of Britain TT, if everything were to go right on the day.
Meanwhile, Dan Martin is part of a really strong QuickStep line-up. It includes one of the most exciting sprinters in the world in Fernando Gaviria.
Philippe Gilbert makes his Tour of Britain debut in a season when his wins already include the Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold.
The three stars of the Belgian WorldTour outfit will be supported by three team mates. They are: Laurens De Plus, Maximiliano Richeze and Czech champion Zdenek Stybar.
Tour of Britain and An Post
Cannondale-Drapac’s provisional line-up, alongside Ryan Mullen, includes former race winner Dylan Van Baarle.
Also riding is Hugh Carthy as well as Patrick Bevin, Taylor Phinney and Davide Formolo.
The race gets underway in Edinburgh on Sunday. Furthermore, An Post-Chainreaction will also be on the start line.
Damien Shaw, Matt Teggart and Sean McKenna are in its line-up and will be flying the Irish flag.
Topics
