Cummings set to lead Team GB

Sep 24 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

STEVE Cummings looks likely to be named as the leader for Team GB men’s cycling squad at the 2008 Road World Championships in Italy.

The Barloworld rider, who finished second in the Tour of Britain, faces competition for the top spot from fellow Brit David Millar, of Garmin-Chipotle. But the former Birkenhead North End CC member is currently riding high, having enjoyed very successful final stages in the Tour of Britain.

Earlier this year, Cummings won a stage of the Giro Regio Calabria and the Coppa Bernocchi, as well as an excellent fourth on a mountain stage of the Giro d’Italia and second place overall in the Tour of Denmark.

He will link up with Millar, Chris Froome, Ian Stannard, Geraint Thomas and Russell Downing for the 260km Men’s Road Race on Sunday, September 28, two days after taking part in the Men’s Time Trial.

Although the Wirral cyclists has never ridden a World Championship time trial before, he was 11th in the Olympic time trial and would have finished fourth had his chain not come off on the climb.

But fellow Barloworld teammate Thomas, who has filled the vacant spot left by Mark Cavendish, gave strong indication that Cummings will be in the frame for the protected rider spot during the road race.

He said: “I’m there to help Steve [Cummings] and Dave [Millar]. Whoever’s the leader, I’m going to make sure I stay around them, and help them whenever they need me to get bottles or go back to the car. They’re both going really well at the moment, so we’ll be talking to each other and see how the race pans out on the day.”