Cycling: Tiernan-Locke is on a roll
Endura Racing Team rider Jon Tiernan-Locke landed his second title in as many weeks when he won the two-day Tour du Haut Var in France. And his back-to-back successes are already attracting attention from cycling teams keen to secure the services of the Plymouth man who won the king of the mountains title at last year’s Tour of Britain.
A recent arrival at the Livingston-based professional outfit, the 27-year-old ended the first day in third spot overall. And, displaying his prowess as a climber, he powered his way up the final hill of the second stage to cross the line clear of a strong field and add the title to his success at the Tour of the Mediterranean the previous week.
Endura team boss Brian Smith, a former pro who competed at the highest level, insists the outstanding early season form of Tiernan-Locke has come as no surprise and has simply been a case of harnessing existing talent.
“All we’ve done at Endura is focus his training a bit more and teach him race craft,” said Smith.