Thwaites is happy to wait in reserve

Scott Thwaites has greeted his ommission from NetApp Endura’s Tour de France squad with pragmatism, accepting that he is not yet ready to ride the world’s most demanding bike race.
By Nick Westby
Published 2nd Jul 2014, 12:32 BST
Scott Thwaites, from Burley in Wharfedale, rides past the Cow and Calf Rock above Ilkley. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)Scott Thwaites, from Burley in Wharfedale, rides past the Cow and Calf Rock above Ilkley. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)
Scott Thwaites, from Burley in Wharfedale, rides past the Cow and Calf Rock above Ilkley. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

The 24-year-old from Burley-in-Wharfedale made the German team’s long list for their Tour debut but it was confirmed last week that he is only a reserve and, therefore, unlikely to race.

The two-time Otley Grand Prix winner has had a strong season racing the Classics, but concedes he still needs to develop more as a climber before he is considered for grand tour selection.

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“I was a little bit disappointed because it starts in Leeds,” said Thwaites, who will now concentrate on riding the Commonwealth Games road race.

“But looking at it from the other side, it’s the hardest race in the world and I’ve already had a very tough year.

“A Tour de France could ruin me long term. It’s probably a good thing that I’m not doing it as I’d just be surviving each day. I’m only just starting out in my career and I’ve got a long way to go.”

Bury’s Simon Yates, 21, is the surprise selection in Australian team Orica-GreenEDGE’s Tour de France squad. Yates, the 2013 points race world champion on the track, was selected ahead of his twin brother, Adam.

Related topics:Tour de FranceLeeds