Bike Racing

[Graham Breeze]

It was real class and I'm sure Tom would have called it a day on La Redoute without the sound of an English accent ringing in his ear!

Tom has a little way to go yet. But second isn't too bad.

As you know at team presentations the "stars" are invited to say a few words. Obviously this was in French and when Tom was invited to speak he just gave a dumb "Uh! I'm from Leeds and I ride for an English team" look and the interviewer quickly moved on. Pogacar trotted out the usual cliches - but in English and was so relaxed he commented on the bigger crowd compared to the similar team presentation on the previous day which had included the women riders (who start from Bastogne and so only do half the distance).

These things can go on and on so in the middle to break it up Dan Martin - who won in 2013 - came on to talk about his victory.

He spoke for a couple of minutes but of course in French - albeit with a Birmingham accent