{"id":1363,"date":"2021-10-14T17:25:34","date_gmt":"2021-10-14T15:25:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/?p=1363"},"modified":"2021-10-14T17:25:34","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T15:25:34","slug":"dave-povall-interview-tour-of-britain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/2021\/10\/14\/dave-povall-interview-tour-of-britain\/","title":{"rendered":"Dave Povall Interview – Tour of Britain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Describe your role for <\/strong>\u0160koda<\/strong> at the Tour of Britain?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Throughout the Tour of Britain, I host \u0160koda’s Guests, VIP\u2019s and Competition Winners at the start, during the stage (for the lucky ones) and also at the stage finishes.<\/p>\n

We generally meet in the morning, and chat over a coffee and light breakfast at the start-line hospitality.<\/p>\n

Following this \u2018gentle introduction\u2019 I take the group for an informal walk around the team parking areas.<\/p>\n

My recent background in the sport is as a Sports Director\/Team Manager for professional cycling teams (for around a decade), so my knowledge, experience and relationships enable me to let our guests \u2018peek behind the curtain\u2019 whilst getting a far better understanding of the equipment variations, team staffing roles and responsibilities, than many spectators at the event.<\/p>\n

During this we frequently stop and chat to Team Managers, Mechanics and of course some of the superstars of the sport – at which point I often take photos of the guests meeting the stars!<\/p>\n

Two of the guests join me in the \u0160koda Guest Car for the stage. We set off around 5-10 minutes before the race and generally at this point, we discuss our thoughts and opinions on how the day\u2019s racing will unfold.<\/p>\n

Whilst listening to race radio (the same communication\/information that the team support cars receive) and often watching the live TV feed I explain to the guests the finer tactical points of how, when or why a breakaway will be successful or not.<\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t a science, but a good level of professional sporting experience is essential to understand and to explain these dynamics.<\/p>\n

When the breakaway group have a lead over the peloton, I can join the teams support vehicles behind the breakaway. \u00a0We can chat to the Sports Directors in these vehicles asking them their thoughts and strategies for the day.<\/p>\n

Using my experience and skills from years of driving team cars in races I\u2019m trusted by the organisers, commissaires and riders to pass the breakaway group. Often there is a rider I know personally within the group they\u2019ll shout \u2018good morning\u2019 or have a big smile on their face whilst the guests take their photos; usually from proximity that is so close it literally blows their mind!<\/p>\n

We make our way ahead of the race to \u0160koda King of the Mountains and other key locations watching the breakaway pass and repeating the process a few times throughout the stage, before heading to the finish line hospitality.<\/p>\n

Enjoying the complimentary food and drinks in the exclusive finish line area we\u2019re able to talk through our thoughts for the finale whilst recognising some of the key features on the big screen and having front row views of the finish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How many years have you worked with <\/strong>\u0160koda<\/strong> at the Tour of Britain?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I worked the 2014 Tour of Britain with \u0160koda and in 2015 I managed a team contesting the race. Since then I have enjoyed 2016-21 with \u0160koda in the role above.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What\u2019s your highlight of the Tour of Britain?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I think firstly, I\u2019m a fan of the sport. Therefore, seeing the increase in popularity of Cycling and the development of The Tour of Britain which has genuinely become one of the most professional, well organised and delivered events in the world – is always something that makes me smile.<\/p>\n

From a personal perspective I really enjoy playing a small part in what for the guests is a big day.<\/p>\n

Seeing the guests smile as they meet their favourite riders, giving them an understanding of how a pro-team works on the road, and of course their sheer astonishment and the accompanying \u2018woaaaah\u2019s\u2019 when moving the car around the race.<\/p>\n

It can be hard work but it\u2019s largely pressure I put on myself to ensure they get a day they\u2019ll never forget!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Which was the most impressive stage?<\/strong><\/p>\n

There were a few highlights during this year\u2019s event; Mark Cavendish featuring in the sprints and also a breakaway.<\/p>\n

Dan Martin, Andre Griepel and Tony Martin all superstars of the sport contesting their last Tours of Britain.<\/p>\n

Local rider Gruff Lewis from Aberystwyth making the breakaway on the stage in his local area.<\/p>\n

Robin Carpenter, the American rider managing to hold off the chasing bunch to win alone into Exeter.<\/p>\n

But, if I must pick one; I make no apologies as a Welshman, it was the Aberaeron, Great Orme stage. The weather, scenery, crowds, and racing were incredible. I\u2019m sure it was far more enjoyable from the comfort of a New Skoda Superb, than riding it though!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Describe your role for \u0160koda at the Tour of Britain? 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