Jake Stewart says Tour de France ‘what every young cyclist dreams of’

Stewart, who has done most of his practising for the race in the Peak District where he is based, has had quite a journey just to make the start line.

He represented England in the cycling road race through Warwick as part of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 – but that came only after being diagnosed with a long-term inflammatory bowel condition and also Covid-19, which temporarily stopped him from competing.

But, as the first Coventry-born rider to take part in the Tour, he is thankful for all the help he has had.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some great people and great coaches,” he said.

“There has been a ridiculous number of people involved in my career to get me to where I am.

“And my family have allowed me to evolve as a person without being pushy parents.

“It’s the biggest race in the cycling calendar, one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.

“There is so much pressure and media attention but really it’s just a big travelling circus round France for three weeks. And I have a massive sense of pride to be part of it.”

Jake Stewart was talking to BBC CWR’s Phil Upton