New British Champion Fred Wright reveals bullish Tour de France strategy: 'That's just how I am'

You may have finalised your fantasy Tour de France team , but if you haven't (yet) picked Fred Wright, you might change your mind after reading this article. The Brit from Pinarello-Q36.5, who is heading to the Tour de France as part of an ultra-aggressive team, is in top form. His intentions, therefore, promise to be spectacular.

First, let’s look at the announcement from Pinarello-Q36.5. The team talked about making history in the Tour, so the goal is very clear: gunning for stage wins. With a plan like that, a natural attacker like Wright will be in his element.

Last week, the Brit won the British Road Championship for the second time in his career, which means he’ll once again be wearing the national champion’s jersey in the Tour. “I always line up at the start of a Grand Tour with the intention of winning a stage. That’s just how I am as a rider,” he told CyclingWeekly.

And so we’ll be seeing the Brit out front a lot. At least, that’s the expectation. “I just want to compete in the stages and be part of the breakaway group. I was in a few breakaways last year, but I probably wasn’t as involved as I would have liked. Wherever there’s an opportunity, I want to be there.”

Of course, it helps immensely that, in his own words, his legs are “really good.” “That’s always nice. Everyone is in top form at the Tour, everyone is doing well, but I can say with confidence that I’m in excellent shape.” His victory at the British Championship last week certainly confirmed that, too.

So, attacking—though there will be a bit of support as well. “I’ll help Tom out a bit, but I think the plan is also to go for breakaways. I already have a few stages in mind, how the race will play out. It’s really exciting.” Wright doesn’t say which days those are. “With breakaways, especially in high-level races, it’s so unpredictable that you don’t want to think about it too much.”

The role of the so-called “big names” will also be a factor. “You never really know how the general classification will unfold, or what the breakaway stages will look like. But no, I have a few stages in my sights and I remain hopeful; I’ll always do my best,” he says with determination.