Winner of the Tour of Britain South West Stage Announced
Somerset County Council has announced that Emilien Burges from Agritubel team has won the South West stage of the Tour of Britain 2008.
After achieving a strong lead on the approach to the finish line in Burnham-on-Sea Emilien Burges was crowned champion of Stage three of the Tour of Britain and was awarded the leader’s yellow jersey.
Emilien Burges takes the yellow jersey from Alessandro Petacchi who came sixth and retained the overall race lead in Newbury the day before.
The South West Stage, hosted by Somerset County Council, is one of the toughest stages of the race involving a host of winding roads and three E.ON King of the Mountains competitions.
The winner of the Stage three E.ON King of the Mountains competition was Kristian House, from team Rapha - Condor - Recycling.co.uk. Kristian has won the Mountains competition in all of the first three stages of the Tour of Britain 2008.
The winner of the sprints competition was Danilo di Luca, from team LPR Brakes – Ballan, earning himself the red, white and blue jersey for the second stage running.
Somerset County Council organised a host of community events at key locations along the route; including the start in Chard and the finish in Burnham-on-Sea, attracting tens of thousands of spectators.
Councillor Jill Shortland, Leader of Somerset County Council, presented Emilien Burges with the yellow jersey on the podium in Burnham-on-sea. Councillor Shortland said: “For the second year running the South West stage looks set to be one of the most dramatic stages of the race witnessing a great performance from Emilien Burges. Somerset County Council is looking forward to the race coming to Somerset again next year when we will have an equally exciting route to challenge the riders.”
Councillor Alvin Horsfall, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “It was a highly successful day. Somerset County Council has sponsored the Tour of Britain until 2011 as it is a great opportunity to attract thousands of visitors to Somerset and boost the local economy. Somerset provides a beautiful backdrop for the race, and the community activities along the route provided entertainment for visitors and residents.”
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