“I can’t stand it because they don’t understand the bigger picture" - Tour of Britain director defends race route amidst criticism
CyclingMonday, 11 September 2023 at 18:19
It's fair to say that this year's Tour of Britain hasn't been the most exciting edition of the race's history. Race director Mick Bennett however, has hit back amidst some heavy criticism of the route.
“It’s hard to hear,” Bennett said in conversation with Cycling Weekly. “I can’t stand it because they don’t understand the bigger picture that we have had to deal with. “Because the country is in such a difficult financial situation, we're in such a state now that local authorities are being bled of the funds from central and local government."
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Five flattish stages to start the race were all won by Jumbo-Visma, causing some critics to label the race 'boring'. “They don't have the funds to commit to closing the roads and lots of lots of these stages, Suffolk for example, put an amazing amount of resources in and you'd think you're on totally closed roads, but they're still rolling," defends Bennett. “Because the country is in a situation where, you know, local authorities are prioritising spending elsewhere, they're going to say, well, that's our priority and we fully understand that.”
A smaller race was also another point of concern with just 96 riders in the peloton at the start of the race. This problem at least, has a simple answer believes Bennett. “It's purely and simply Brexit,” he said. “Just to give you an example, it took some teams five hours that rode the World Champs to get their vehicles, technical teams through customs at Dover, and that was only three weeks ago. And they go, 'Hang on. You know what? It's not worth it'. So they didn't, but that's purely and simply down to Brexit.”
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- that was actually a GREAT result for van der poel, it seems to me.OCexile08-06-2025
- CAPTION (that 1st 1 pic) Pog. to JV I'm in the right gear, I know so am I 😉
leedorney08-06-2025 - lol so true. hunt stages. pidcock is the most perplexing rider in the pelotonmij08-06-2025
- Nice to see Jonas coming out of his shell, both during and after the race. Wonder what he said that made Tadej react 'Oh really?!'.Renz08-06-2025
- ah
KerisVroom08-06-2025 - Jonas wanted to congratulate Tadej, that's all. He was distracted.
maria2024202408-06-2025 - A podium would have kept the streak going, but winning makes it even stronger. Since Jebel Hafeet at the UAE Tour, across Strade Bianchi and 4 monuments, he has been no worse than third. 9 consecutive podiums, 6 wins on the road, one GC. Good lord.RidesHills08-06-2025
- Fantastic and unexpected! a Jonas in Tadej style! My fear was that Jonas might be too worried (a bit paralyzed) by the risks of cycling after his crashes.. I'm very happy to see that it's not the case.maria2024202408-06-2025
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- His team's management, coaches, and agent likely have better insight
Front24208-06-2025
You can tell they have failed when they blame brexit. The go to excuse for the stupid and weak willed
All that did is take back the authority of the UK from the EU. If the UK government decides to be stupid with it, that's not the fault of Brexit. Given the governments within the EU seem to be moving towards their own version of Brexit (given the people's voting patterns), it seems those staying in the EU think that's worse than leaving!
-An American
I was at the finish line in Harlow, it great to have it here and see the race in person
Brexit... Yup we need a recount (a confirmation referendum)... on top of the sports commitment, science and access to a decent croissant.
Companies are being crippled by the lack of access to well educated and hardworking Europeans who have already paid for their degree level education or have had it paid for by the state.
Remember the number of Spanish and Portuguese Baristas in Costa or Starbucks back in 2008-2009, they are now integrated in our economy at a relatively senior level and are generating serious revenue for companies and HMRC in the UK. They have no plans to go back to their homeland as they are settled with spouses and kids. Spain and Portugal paid for their education!
Just sayin!
Spain and Portugal didn't pay for their education neither mine. We paid 23% vat plus 30% social security etc. we leave because of the countries policies. Im in USA. and i would never achieved what i have if i would stay there
Brexshit. The gift that keeps on taking.