Ivan Basso to lead Team Liquigas – Cannondale at The Tour of Britain

Two-time Giro d’Italia winner to start ‘hardest yet’ Tour of Britain this September

 

Team Liquigas – Cannondale will take part in their first Tour of Britain this September, led by Italian rider Ivan Basso, who will also be making his debut in the race, tipped to be the ‘hardest yet’ edition of Britain’s greatest race. 

The 34-year old, who has twice won Italy’s biggest race, the Giro d’Italia, is currently competing in the Tour de France. 

Thanks to the team’s huge success this season, Liquigas – Cannondale are currently ranked third in the UCI World Tour standings prior to the start of the Tour de France, where the team has so far won three stages through Peter Sagan.

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race Director said,“We are delighted to have the Liquigas – Cannondale team participate in The Tour of Britain for the first time. The inclusion of such a high-profile team led by two-time winner of Giro d’Italia, Ivan Basso, underlines the growing status of The Tour of Britain and its importance to pro cycling teams.”

The Tour of Britain starts on Ipswich’s Waterfront on Sunday 9^th September, as East Anglia hosts the Grand Depart of Britain’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event. England, Scotland and Wales all feature on the eight-day route, before Surrey hosts the final stage, with Guildford’s uphill cobbled High Street the finish for Stage Eight on Sunday 16^th September.  

The identity of the remaining riders in Liquigas – Cannondale’s provisional Tour of Britain line-up will be announced later in the Summer, along with further news on the other teams and riders taking part in the ninth edition of the modern Tour of Britain. 

To take on the challenge of a route inspired by this year’s Tour of Britain, and get the full professional experience with support from Specialized and Maxifuel, sign-up for a Tour Ride atwww.tourride.co.uk

 

 

The Tour of Britain

The 2012 Tour of Britain will take place between Sunday 9^th and Sunday 16^th September 2012 

Stage One Sunday 9^th September Ipswich to Norfolk Showground

Stage Two Monday 10^th September Nottingham to Knowsley Safari Park

Stage Three Tuesday11th September Jedburgh to Dumfries

Stage Four Wednesday 12^th September Carlisle to Blackpool

Stage Five Thursday 13^th September The Stoke-on-Trent Stage

Stage Six Friday 14^th September Welshpool to Caerphilly

Stage Seven Saturday 15^th September Barnstaple to Dartmouth

Stage Eight Sunday 16^th September Reigate to Guildford 

Re-launched in 2004 after a five year absence from the calendar, The Tour of Britain is now the UK’s biggest professional cycle race and the country’s largest free-to-watch sporting event.

Ranked at the 2.1 level by the UCI, the sport’s governing body, The Tour of Britain attracts some of the world’s top cyclists, including Olympic and World Champions and Tour de France stage winners, to compete on British roads each September. 

The Tour of Britain is proud to be partnered with IG Markets, SKODA and Yodel.

 

For details of The Tour of Britain, go towww.tourofbritain.co.uk

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