Bellis and Fleeman ready for Tour of Britain
British riders Jonathan Bellis and Daniel Fleeman have said they are ready for the challenge that awaits in this year's Tour of Britain, which begins this Saturday.
The eight stages of this year's Tour contain several challenging stretches before the race around Newham in East London on the final day.
Saxo Bank's Bellis, who has been with the Danish team since 2008, suffered serious head injuries after crashing his scooter in September last year.
Having recovered from a coma that lasted several weeks, the 22-year-old has slowly begun his return to professional cycling in 2010.
Last month, Bellis rode 150km in the GP Plouay. The Tour of Britain, his first stage race since recovering from the crash, will prove to be a tougher test.
"It’s got to be a day by day thing for me, it really does. Once I get to the third or fourth day I’ll start to struggle, but I want to make it to the finish," Bellis told Cyclingnews.
Bellis will race alongside Baden Cooke, Richie Porte, Sebastian Haedo and Alex Rasmussen in this year's Tour.
Fleeman faces tough sprints
Known as a climbing specialist, Fleeman may struggle in this year's Tour, which is better known for its sprint finishes.
“It’s a very heavy sprint field and that’s a little bit worrying," he told Cyclingnews. "Last year it was a sprint every day more or less and it’s difficult for a rider like me."
But on the back of a strong first season with British outfit Raleigh, for whom he signed after an injury-plagued season with Cervelo Test Team last year, Fleeman could make a significant impact. The 27-year-old finished in the top ten of the Tour de Pyrenees and in the UK road nationals, and will be aiming for a similar position in the Tour.
“I’ve been very consistent,” Fleeman said about his season. “But I’ve not had any major stand-out results. Perhaps I’ve been a little bit too consistent. In all the stage races I’ve done I’ve been top 15 overall and in the one-day races I’ve been up there."
The Tour begins on Saturday, with the first stage taking riders from Rochdale to Blackpool in northern England.
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