The rider roster included a mixture of experience and youth, with many riders racing at this level for the first time. All six riders finished the Tour, which in itself is an impressive feat.
Team Manager, Simon Howes was pleased with the team’s performance and commented, “For the younger riders it was a massive learning curve and they stepped up. It was great to see them grow in confidence as the race progressed. They and the whole team take a lot away from this experience and we are grateful to the Women’s Tour organisers for giving us the opportunity to race on home roads.”
Reflecting on that day, Simmonds said, “There’s nothing quite like a home crowd and the atmosphere at this British race is one of the best there is. I heard people cheering my name and I was getting a lot of support outside the schools. It wasn’t exactly the plan. When I went and no one came with me I just got into my rhythm. It was a hard day out but it was really nice to be away on home roads.”
There was elation from all the riders as they raced along the sunny seafront in front of massive crowds in Felixstowe on the final day. It was a fitting end to a fantastic race.
Check out our IG account for pictures and videos from the race.