Glasgow witnessed one of the closest finishes in Tour history as France’s Romain Feillu took the overall victory from Spain’s Adrian Palomares. Feillu charged from 3rd place at the start of the final stage to clinch the title in nail-biting fashion.
Palomares and Feillu were dead level at the finish line, requiring race officials to consider last Sunday’s Crystal Palace prologue times as a tie-breaker. Feillu was then crowned 2007 Tour of Britain champion by the tiny margin of just 0.49 seconds ahead of Palomares and Australia’s Luke Roberts.
Although overall victory on the 2007 Tour escaped the top UK riders, fans were treated to a series of British victories in the individual competitions.
In the overall stage 6 race Birmingham’s Paul Manning took the win in his last Tour of Britain appearance. Manxman Mark Cavendish took the sprints title and the Green jersey for the points competition, while Ben Swift was crowned ‘King of the Mountains’.
Scotland’s Evan Oliphant was the highest-placed British finisher overall coming home in 16th position.
Stage 6
1) Paul Manning (Great Britain)
2) Salvatore Commesso (Tinkoff Credit Systems)
3) Kurt Hovelijnck (Chocolade – Jacques)
Final Standings - Yellow Jersey
1) Romain Feilu (Agritubel) 21 h 21’22”
2) Adrian Palomares (Fuerteventura – Canarias) = st
3) Luke Roberts (Team CSC) @ 06”
4) Martin Garrido (Duja Tavira) @ 12”
5) Piet Rooijakkers (Skil – Shimano) @ 13”
Visitors to the finish line area at Glasgow Green were also treated to a wide range of entertainment and interactive attractions including an all-new format Glasgow Grand Prix criterion race series, a spectacular parachute display by the Scottish Infantry’s ‘Golden Lions’ and colourful Farmers’ Market as part of Scottish Food Fortnight.
There were also plenty of cycling-themed activities including bicycle drag racing, Scottish Cycling’s skills training course, R J Ride Guide and interactive activities from Cycle Magic.
Further Information
For more information on the Tour of Britain visit: www.tourofbritain.co.uk
