Erick Rowsell – King of the Brits
Erick Rowsell – King of the Brits
It wasn’t just Team Sky celebrating in front of home fans, with a number of impressive rides from British domestic riders.
Though the much-fancied Swift crashed out, five Brits finished in the top 20 in all – led home by eighth-placed Erick Rowsell (Madison-Genesis).
Rowsell is emerging as an excellent signing for Roger Hammond’s team after a frustrating time with Team NetApp-Endura (now Bora-Argon 18) came to an end.
And the 24-year-old produced a fine reminder as to why he was seen as such a big talent, following up his Tour of the Reservoir win with an impressive performance in Yorkshire.
Among the other Brits to make their mark was Richard Handley (JLT-Condor) who also bagged a top-ten spot, showing the race organisers that they were right to add JLT-Condor (and Raleigh) to the start list having originally not invited John Herety’s team.
Handley, just 24, has put in a number of strong rides overseas for the British UCI Continental team and will doubtless be pleased to have showcased his talents on home soil.