‘I’m a simple guy who just wants to ride his bike’
Tour of Britain winner Steve Cummings says he doesn't want the celebrity status of the likes of Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins
Despite stealing the headlines by winning the Tour of Britain on Sunday afternoon, Dimension Data rider Steve Cummings says that he is happy to stay in the shadows of the likes of Mark Cavendish and Sir Bradley Wiggins.
The Wirral-born rider, who previously finished second in the national tour in both 2008 and 2011, secured the second stage race victory of his career in London on the final stage.
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“I was motivated, I wanted to come home and ride well, because it’s something I’ve not done for a while,” he said.
“People maybe forget about you; the hardcore cycling fans who follow all the racing know what you’re up to, but maybe the public don’t really see it.
‘It’s good to show them what I do, it’s pretty cool. [But] I don’t really like it [media attention] – I’m a simple guy who wants to stay out of the way.
“I’m happy to race my bike and I’m happy to talk to people, but I don’t go looking around for it.”
Steve Cummings, Tour of Britain 2016 stage 7B
Cummings also praised Dimension Data teammate Mark Cavendish, who helped him in his successful GC bid during the eight days of racing.
“He’s been amazing, he’s sacrificed his own chances here,” added the 35-year-old. “Again, the hardcore supporters understand that, but maybe the general public don’t.
“If you don’t see him winning, you can miss what he’s done in the first hour [of each stage], which was him completely emptying myself for me and the cause.
“That was a lot of pressure for me – the team could have won a few more stages. Anything other than me winning wouldn’t have been so good.”
Cummings hopes to end his season at October’s Road World Championships in Doha, Qatar; British Cycling’s team selection is scheduled to be announced this week.