Omega Pharma Quick Step's Mark Cavendish feels that the Tour Of Britiain which starts today in Scotland will be a tough race.
Speaking at the Tour Of Britain press conference, Cavendish said: "I was just out training with two of my team mates and Iljo [Keisse] last rode here in 2005 and he was saying how they don't like cyclists here but I told him how it has changed. We went into Peebles and it was pretty crazy and I think that is exciting. Last year the crowds were unbelievable. Not just where we had the Olympics, but the whole week, even in the bad weather. That's testament not only to how big cycling has come in the country across all disciplines, but for the amount of times this race had been on and what's it become. The standard of the teams that come here is phenomenal.
"I know SweetSpot have won it again and part of that was to grow it into a bigger event. In terms of racing quality, it's as big as some of the bigger category races so I think it should have no problem in the future becoming a bigger category event and having a bigger field."
Cavendish was asked if he could win the tour as a sprinter and said: It is a very difficult race here. As a pure sprinter, no. With time bonuses, given the right course, there is a year I believe I could win here. This year, there is a time trial, very British – 10mile – which fits right into The Tour of Britain as a race. I know Brad [Wiggins] has come here in good form but we have some good guys that can challenge each day and hopefully we will be there or thereabouts when we get to London next week.”
"We have a great team here, it is quite important now for our team to come here. Omega Pharma had their record sales here in July so it shows the interest in the sport here. Quick-Step, one of their biggest markets is the UK now so it's important for us to be here, that's why we are going to try and do well here.”