Second for Vernon as Williams retains Tour of Britain lead

Ethan Vernon’s strong return to road racing continued on Friday, as the Olympic medalist placed second in Newark-on-Trent on stage 4 of the Tour of Britain.

This matched Vernon’s result in Tuesday’s opening stage in Scotland; both were won by Frenchman Paul Magnier (SOQ).

Behind, Stevie Williams finished safely in the peloton to move one day closer to being crowned this year’s overall winner.

”It was another good day for the team,” says Vernon. ”The boys pulled together brilliantly just like they have in the other three stages to defend GC for Stevie and help me for the stage.

”I had to launch my sprint early and paid the price in the final 50 meters, but it was another day of learning. We still have two more chances to get a sprint victory.”