In sixth place overall is Motorpoint’s Ian Bibby and VeloUK talks to him about his race so far….
“I’ve been chugging away every day and my results been getting better each day and I’m pretty happy with my race so farâ€.
Ian climbed well in the Welsh mountains like he did in 2010 when he was second on a stage. Talking about stage 4, he explained “I hadn’t done that climb and I thought it was going to be a lot longer to be honest. I didn’t want to blow up so I tried to something back for the top but it turned out to be shorter than I expected.â€
His form “Its not so bad really. I haven’t been bad all year and was looking forward to races like this and show that the level isn’t that much different really. There are some big names here and it is good to try and get up there everyday with them whether it’s a sprint or over the hills.â€
How cool is this … Ian Bibby climbs Caerphilly Mountain ahead of World Champion Thor Hushovd who went on to win the stage.
On the race through the Brecon Beacons, Ian explained “After that cat 1 there was a bad cross wind there and I think Sky attacked and tried to splitting it but it never happened.â€
Ian explained that his aim is to stay up there and in contention when the race has its time trial in London. “I’ve not done many but those I have done I have done alright in. It’s new ground although I have done prologues and been on the podium so we’ll see.â€
Leading British rider – a goal? “I don’t really think of the domestic stuff really. It’s not about trying to beat other British riders because you want to end up on one of these big teams so its not about beating British riders but about showing myself against the best and getting on a team like that and show them I can ride at that level.â€
Sorted for 2012 and a team? “For the big teams, I am definitely still on the market. Doing these big races every week, I am sure I’ll improve as well. Getting some coaching and bit of guidance and if I was doing a race like every week, I’d be stepping up a level which is what I want to do. All I ask is for someone to give me a chance and let me prove myself.â€