Tour of Britain: Steve Cummings says freedom key to 2016 success
By Matt Westby
Last Updated: 11/09/16 8:47pm
Tour of Britain winner Steve Cummings said the freedom he is given by his team is to thank for his excellent results in 2016.
The 35-year-old Briton followed up stage wins at the Tour de France, Criterium du Dauphine, Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour of the Basque Country by sealing overall victory at his home tour on Sunday.
Cummings joined Dimension Data from BMC Racing last year and believes their relaxed management style has helped him to become a more prolific rider.
He said: "I've been given freedom to train on my own, in my own environment. I can get myself ready physically, mentally. I go to the races much happier because I'm not away too much at training camps, messing around.
"And freedom in the race as well to express myself. The team just sort of say, not 'Do want you want', but 'As long as you perform, it's OK', and I've been performing, so it's been good."
Cummings becomes only the second British winner of the Tour of Britain since it was relaunched in 2004, emulating Sir Bradley Wiggins' triumph in 2013.
This year has been the best of Cummings' career and Wiggins believes he has out-performed even Mark Cavendish and Chris Froome.
He told ITV Sport: "Look at the season Steve Cummings has had. He has to be put up there as probably our best British rider this year.
"I know Cav will hate me for saying that, but Tour de France stage winner, Tirreno-Adriatico, Basque Country, Dauphine, Tour of Britain winner - it's brilliant."
