Tour of Britain homecoming for Exeter's George Pym
Exeter’s rising cycling star George Pym says that racing in the Tour of Britain through his home county next week will be one of the highlights of his professional career so far.
George Pym, 24, will be riding in the Tour of Britain from Sunday 2 September – Devon Stage 2, takes place on the following day on Monday 3 September.
Stage 2 will be hosted by Devon County Council and supported by East Devon District Council and North Devon Council.
George Pym said: “This will be my second Tour of Britain, having competed in 2015. I admit when it didn’t go through Devon that year I was pretty disappointed.
“That’s why riding through Devon this year is going to be massive for me. I want to make a good impression and with my family, and friends my old cycling club in Exeter cheering me on will hopefully give me that bit extra. I’m really looking forward to it.”
A former student at Isca College, George was inspired to become a pro-cyclist after watching the Tour Series in Exeter in 2009
“I remember thinking how incredible it was,” said George. “It prompted me to join Exeter Wheelers Cycling Club. I worked hard and gradually got better and better.”
Having previously ridden for Raleigh (2015-6) and Metaltek-Kuota (2017) George joined his current team Madison Genesis in 2018.
He proved himself with a hat-trick of victories in the south west regional championships between 2013 and 2016.
An all-rounder, George earned his spot on the team for the Tour of Britain through a series of determined performances.
Top-five finishes in the Klondike GP and Shrewsbury GP followed last year and subsequent top-ten results at the Tour Series, Elite Road Series and Elite Circuit Series further showcased George’s potential.
Perhaps his most impressive performance was at the British Championships this year. Making the decisive breakaway and helping his teammate and eventual winner, showed he could perform on the biggest stage.
George has proved himself able to tackle moderate climbs that pepper this year’s Tour of Britain route.
“I’m realistic, some of the top cyclists in the world are racing this year and it’s going to be tough,” said George.
“My goal? Trying to break away and contesting a couple of sprints. If I achieve those i’ll be happy.”
