Racing

Five things we learned from the Tour of Britain

Boasson Hagen bounces back, Owain Doull shows talent and other post-race observations

Tour of Britain 2015

Edvald Boasson Hagen celebrates with champagne on the final podium (pic: The Tour)
One Pro Cycling's Pete Willians claimed the King of the Mountains title as the British domestic teams played a big part in the race (pic: The Tour)
Edvald Boasson Hagen proved he is back on top form (pic: The Tour)
Mark Cavendish and Mark Renshaw will ride for Team Dimension Data next season (pic: The Tour)
Elia Viviani won three stages at the Tour of Britain (pic: The Tour)
Doull underlined his talent on the road with a third place finish at the 2015 Tour of Britain Pic: The Tour)

Tour of Britain 2015

The 12^th edition of the modern Tour of Britain concluded with a rider claiming a second overall victory for the first time.

Edvald Boasson Hagen (MTN-Qhubeka) last won the race in 2009 and returned to the top step of the podium after a consistent showing throughout the eight stages.

The Norwegian champion has been in resurgent form having swapped Team Sky for MTN-Qhubeka in the winter, but his former employers also enjoyed a great week with four stage wins – three of which were claimed by Elia Viviani.

After Mark Cavendish crashed out injured, Viviani proved he and Team Sky are capable of winning bunch sprints – though the third and final one did arrive via a commissaires decision.

In the biggest British race of the season, there was no shortage of British success stories either – Peter Williams claiming the King of the Mountains for One Pro Cycling and Team WIGGINS’ Owain Doull getting on the podium.

So what did the race teach us? Read our five observations over the following pages.