“It’s the first time I’ve had a full team working for me and with one goal.” Alice Barnes sprinted to third today on the opening stage of Tour de Yorkshire in Doncaster. The stage was won by Kirsten Wild (WHT) with Barnes taking a narrow gap before starting her sprint to storm home for third place.

After the finish Barnes said the race had gone to the team’s plan. “We knew that there was some wind today but with the roads being sheltered we didn’t expect it would have an impact. We’ve decided in the team meeting between Alexis (Ryan) and I for the sprint. I was feeling good, but I have to say I was nervous having the responsibility of everyone working for me. It makes you want to get a good result even more.”

Barnes continued “We had a good lead-out with everyone involved. At the final roundabout there was some confusion with the lead moto’s and it made it a little hectic for a moment. Hannah (Barnes) and Alexis were with me in the final 500m and we got boxed in. I decided to take the inside but had to bank on making it through a tight gap. Otherwise I would have liked to start earlier because I still had a lot of speed at the finish.”

“I’m really pleased to get third. I’m happy how we worked together, and even if it could have been a little better we can take a lot of positives from the stage today,” said Barnes.

The second and final stage tomorrow from Barnsley to Ilkley starts at 09:00 BST | 10:00 CET. The race will be broadcast live in full on ITV4.

“Tomorrow is going to be really tough. There’s two long steep climbs in the last 20km and I personally think the race will happen on the second to last climb, the Côte de Old Pool Bank. Between this climb and the final Cow and Calf climb it’s windy and undulating and it will be difficult for any move to come back before the final steep climb. It’s going to be race on tomorrow,” commented Barnes.

Facebook

Twitter