Phil Jones MBE, managing director of Brother UK, and cycling world record holder James Golding have successfully completed their audacious challenge to complete the entire route of the 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain, one day of the world-class field, helping to raise £50,000 for the Dave Rayner Fund.
The dynamic duo rode a total of 1,135km over eight days, scaling 14,500 metres of vertical ascent, departing from Carmarthen on Saturday 1 September and arriving into London for the final stage on Sunday.
Widely considered as the tough edition of the modern tour so far, the route was designed to challenge even the UCI WorldTour teams participating, with stand out climbs such as Challacombe Hill on Stage Two (averaging 13%) and the daunting Whinlatter Pass twice on Stage Six testing the duo’s physical and mental resilience.
A stand out stage for the pair saw them complete the unique uphill, 14-kilometre team time trial between Cockermouth and Whinlatter on the same day as the elite riders. With crowds cheering them on, Phil and James, accompanied by riders from UCI Continental team Vitus Pro Cycling, made it to the top in a time of 31:37, just over 10 minutes behind stage winners Team LottoNL-Jumbo.
Click here to support the Tour of Britain One Day Ahead fundraising ride in aid of the Dave Rayner Fund.
Throughout the challenge the duo were also joined by a number of guest riders, including para-cyclist, veteran and adventurer Jaco Van Gass, C5 Para-cylist for Great Britain William Bjergfelt, GB track cyclist Manon Lloyd, two-time Paralympian Colin Lynch, former Team Sky pro Russell Downing plus members of the many professional teams that Brother UK support.
All in the name of raising £50,000 for the Dave Rayner Fund, a trust set up to help promising riders fulfil their potential as professional cyclists, Phil and James helped shine a light on the necessary support needed to grow and nurture future young riders here in the UK.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Phil Jones & @jamesgolding1 have completed the 2018 @TourofBritain #TOB1DA pic.twitter.com/IL1nSUKndI
— Phil Jones MBE (@roadphil) 9 September 2018
Phil Jones MBE said: “This has been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, however it is quite easily one of the most rewarding. To know we have helped contribute to the future of cycling here in the UK is a phenomenal feeling. We really can make a difference when we all pull together and to have helped the Dave Rayner Fund continue to support young talent is really what this whole thing has been about.”
James Golding added: “We need to help create a culture where kids are allowed to dream, but also for them to know that whatever they want to do, they will be supported. This is why I’m so passionate about what the Dave Rayner Fund is doing, cycling as a sport doesn’t get anywhere near as much funding as other sports. We need to change this, we need to all come together and help our young talent get the funding they need to compete on a world stage.”
Be like G. Wise words from @GeraintThomas86. When @LeTour winners throw their support behind @roadphil and @jamesgolding1, it’s time to follow their lead. Visit https://t.co/G1Rs2CeIQ1 and donate now to support the @DaveRaynerFund. #Letsallpulltogether #AtYourSide #TOB1DA #OVOToB pic.twitter.com/Opmdf3djDH
— Brother Cycling (@BrotherCycling) 9 September 2018
Show your continued support for #TOB1DA and donate via their JustGiving page here.