In an almost unprecedented move Stage Two of the Tour of Britain was cancelled today (Monday, September 12) due to the high winds sweeping in from the tail end of Hurricane Erin. With many of the team support vehicles and motorcycle outriders voicing their concern about safety after making their way to the start in Kendal and after lengthy discussions, including consultation with organisers already at the planned stage end in Blackpool, the decision to cancel was made – the first time that a major UK race has been pulled since a stage of the Mile Race twenty-five years ago.
Rapha Condor Sharp’s Andy Tennant commented: “It feels very strange, it’s like getting a day off school when you aren’t sick. It’s a real shame for the race and all the fans who would have come down to Blackpool to see us, but it’s just not safe to race in these conditions. I would think twice about training today, but even then you can choose your routes, but here we are a hundred riders, with motorcycle outriders, and team cars. It’s certainly the right decision for the riders”.
Assuming conditions improve the ToB will recommence tomorrow with Stage Three’s 140km Stoke-on-Trent leg.