With Tour of Britain becoming increasingly demanding, Tinkoff-Saxo lines up with climber Robert Kiserlovski as the tip of the spear gunning for the general classification. The Croat will be accompanied by Michael Mørkøv looking to get in the mix during the fast days and finishes. 

The route for the 11th edition of Tour of Britain, more undulating and extensive than in recent years, challenges the riders with 1,447 kilometers and a proper mountain top finish. As a consequence, Tinkoff-Saxo will bring one of the team’s climbers, Robert Kiserlovski, in the role as GC captain.

“We’ll be taking on the Tour of Britain with Robert Kiserlovski as our tip of the spear in the fight for the general classification. The race has grown in stature during the years and we will face tough competition both in terms of stage wins and for the overall win. Nevertheless, we start the race with hopes of a top GC result for Robert and, if everything works out, a stage win for Michael Mørkøv, who will be leading the team ambitions on the flatter stages and receive support from guys like Trusov and Juraj Sagan”, says Nicki Sørensen and adds:

“Chris Anker Sørensen will be critical for Robert on the tough and hillier days, where the climbers and puncheurs are in their element. After a hard race in Colorado, we expect Chris, with his big experience, to support Robert in the finales. In addition, our stagiaire Antwan Tolhoek has proven himself very capable in difficult terrain and we hope that he will be there for Robert as well”.

Tinkoff-Saxo’s complete line-up for Tour of Britain is Robert Kiserlovski, Michael Mørkøv, Nikolay Trusov, Chris Anker Sørensen, Juraj Sagan and stagiaire Antwan Tolhoek.

During eight days of racing, Tour of Britain adds up to a grand total of 1,447 kilometers combined with long days of transfer in order for the race to visit Scotland before the finish into London. According to Nicki Sørensen, stage 5 to the top of Hartside Fell will likely prove decisive for the teams competing for the overall lead.

“It’s the hardest and longest climb of the race. With 8 kilometers, it’s a proper summit finish with a very decent average gradient. It will be an important day and I expect to see a very reduced front group, preferably with Kiserlovski in it, crossing the finish line. This is obviously a day for Robert and Chris as well. Robert says that his preparations have been coming along well and that he feels ready”, comments Nicki Sørensen before finishing:

“We got fairly tough climbs on some of the other days, where we will see time differences, if the intensity is high enough. Other days, on paper, look certain to turn into classic sprinter stages, where Mørkøv will try to benefit from his speed. In addition, it will be a hard race with many long transfers that, in the end, take their toll on the riders”.