Yanto Barker is set to lead Team DFL in the Tour of Britain as the British Continental Team achieve their yearly objective.

For the team in its first year of competition it marks a high point after having an excellent start with a 6th at Paris-Troyes, La Tourangelle and a 10th at Hel van Het Mergoland. Barker gained 3rd place in the British National Championships along with a string of top 5 performances in the Premier Calendar series.

Barker commented that’ this is just reward for the effort put in by the management and riders in the team. We have brought a fresh perspective to road racing in Britain and have been the first British team since Linda McCartney to race consistently on the continent.’ Barker has returned to a British based team after five years of racing in France and admits that it was a huge gamble for him, but one that has brought him personal satisfaction and enabled him to achieve a podium position in the national championships.

Barker has matured as a rider this year and become a real captain on the road bringing continental experience and slant to the team. For Nick Collins the team owner, the invite to the race represents recognition from the race organisers that his team is able to compete at this level and infront of a home crowd. ‘I have strived to provide young British riders with an opportunity this year, some have taken it, others have not but I am pleased with the development of the squad and the attention and support that we are now receiving from the public. I am sure we will not disappoint them in this race,’ stated Collins.

The DFL team has been announced as:
Yanto Barker
Ryan Connor
Philip Dixon
Tim Dunford
Martin Ford
Ben Hallam