GB raring to go ahead of Men's Road Race
Created On: 28 July 2012
He is the 'quiet man' of the Team GB Men's Road Race team but
Ian Stannard is relishing his role in the bid to secure gold for
Mark Cavendish today.
Stannard was the only member of the five-man line-up not to
compete - and at least win a stage - in this year's Tour de France
and therefore has the lowest profile. But he is national champion
and his renowned 'engine' will be fundamental to Team GB
hopes.
"I know what I'm here for, that's to support Cav and hopefully get
him through to the finish and win that gold medal," Ian said. "We
have got a very strong team haven't we? I mean we have got Cav who
can definitely finish the job off. Then there are four of us who
can really support him and do a great job for him."
"We're really looking forward to getting stuck in and doing that
job and hopefully getting that first gold medal." A lot is expected
of Mark Cavendish, already a world champion on the road, on the
first day of the Games.
And Ian is taking heart from Cavendish's consistency, less than a
week after the Manx rider claimed his fourth Champs Elysees
win.
"It definitely gives you a lot of confidence and a clear goal
within the race," Ian said. "You know if you get him there he is
going to win."
"It's about you doing your job properly.
"There really is no 'if' or 'but' in your mind, you know he's
going to finish it off."
"It makes it very clear and easy to give yourself to him."
Check out the event preview here and watch the event live
later today on the BBC.
Tags: news,london2012
