Steve Cummings celebrates 35th birthday riding Milan-San Remo

British Dimension Data rider Steve Cummings plays support role for Mark Cavendish and Edvald Boasson Hagen

Steve Cummings wins stage four of 2016 Tirreno-Adriatico
(Image credit: Graham Watson)

Steve Cummings will celebrate his birthday today with a 291-kilometre bike ride in Italy – Milan-San Remo.

The British rider marks his 35th year playing a support role for Dimension Data team-mates Mark Cavendish and Edvald Boasson Hagen, who are the South African team's two-pronged plan of attack. Cavendish won the prestigious Monument in 2009.

Cummings himself tasted success last week when he took a solo stage victory at Tirreno-Adriatico, adding another win to a palmares that already includes stages of the Tour de France and Vuelta a España.

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It is possible that if Cummings finds himself in a position to contest the win – from an escape group or attack – then he could grasp the opportunity, just as he did in Tirreno. But it is more likely that the team will use his firepower to work hard for Cavendish and Boasson Hagen.

Dimension Data has already tasted success in Milan-San Remo. German Gerald Ciolek took the victory in 2013 when the team was known as MTN-Qhubeka, which turned out to be a milestone for the team.

With a new sponsor in the shape of Dimension Data, an expanded roster and WorldTour status for 2016, the squad will be one to watch in this year's race.

Cummings isn't the only rider to turn 35 this week, Fabian Cancellara celebrated his 35th birthday on Friday. Cancellara is also riding Milan-San Remo, as Trek-Segafredo's leader.

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Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.