Dan Lloyd's future still undecided

Daniel Lloyd is waiting on Garmin-Cervelo for news about staying with the team for 2012.

"I'm not 100%, I'm still in talks with Jonathan Vaughters," Lloyd told Cycling Weekly at the start of yesterday's third stage in Trentham Gardens.

A good result at the Tour of Britain might help his cause, where the 31 year old has the rare opportunity to pursue individual objectives.

"Thor [Hushovd] isn't really here for the results. With the world championships in mind, it's not really one of his objectives. It's not often I have a chance to go for results," he said.

He capitalised on yesterday's third stage around Stoke-on-Trent, making the important split over Morridge and finishing eleventh to stay in the hunt for a strong overall finish.

Lloyd also has an eye on one of the Great Britain spots at the forthcoming world championships, but appreciates "it's a case of thirteen guys for eight places. It'd be good to prove myself."

A late flourisher, not reaching the top tier of the sport till 2009 with Cervelo Test Team, 31 year old Lloyd has since emerged as one of the most dilligent domestiques on the squad.

However, after last year's merger between Garmin and Cervelo, the battle for places intensified, and Lloyd has found himself not appearing in the big Classics or a Grand Tour.

Nevertheless, he was pleased and motivated to be back at his home race. "I think I'm going well. With this and nationals, there's only two opportunities. It's nice to be racing here - and cheaper on the phone bill too!"

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Tour of Britain 2011: Cycling Weekly's coverage index