"It’s not really the best route they could have come up with in my opinion" - Tom Pidcock has mixed feelings about Tour of Britain route

Ineos Grenadiers rider Tom Pidcock has said the route for this year’s Tour of Britain is far from suited to his skill set, but he will still battle for the victory in a race that should suit his big rival - Wout van Aert.

"It’s not really the best route they could have come up with in my opinion," the 24-year-old told The Telegraph. "Monday’s stage in Wrexham is only 110km with a short climb not far from the finish so that could be quite a fun, fast day. But yeah, it’s not really ideal for me having so many sprint stages."

"It’s quite weighted towards Van Aert’s characteristics," Pidcock said of the route. "It’s not a race where you race up Alpine climbs, so the time gaps are only going to be small. I’ll give it my best. I always want to win but I’ll just try to enjoy riding with my mates and see what we can get out of it. I’m sure the atmosphere will be brilliant. It’s always great racing in front of home crowds."

"I’m not on top form," he said with a pinch of salt, feeling the effects of a busy summer calendar. "But I’m not in a bad place."