Team Dimension Data’s Steve Cummings won the overall Tour of Britain title in London yesterday.
Caleb Ewan (Orica-BikeExchange) took the honours in the final stage, which covered 100km.
Team Dimension Data’s Steve Cummings won the Tour of Britain title yesterday. Photo: Stiehl Photography
It was a short and fast stage, but one where Team DiData did not take any chances in defending Cummings’ yellow jersey.
From the gun, the African team stamped their authority on the race by taking up the leading positions in the peloton.
There were some good attacks early on but eventually four riders got a gap on the peloton.
Jay Thomson and Johann van Zyl did the early controlling and kept the break in check.
Cummings was always protected at the head of the race, with Mark Cavendish making sure the yellow jersey was never in jeopardy.
Bernie Eisel and Mark Renshaw used their experience and strength to help pull back the break just before Team DiData reached the final 10km.
The team had worked tirelessly all week to set up the overall victory for Cummings after his classy ride to Kendal on stage two.
He solidified his position at the top of the general classification with an excellent time-trial on Saturday and yesterday the title was confirmed when Cummings crossed the line in 17th place.
“There was a lot of pressure on me with the team having worked so hard and doing such a good job all week.
“Also, with Cavendish sacrificing his chances at the Tour of Britain for me, anything other than a win would have been a failure,” said Cummings.
The Tour of Britain is the team’s 29th victory of the season and Cummings’ fifth win this year.
