Peter Kennaugh
Meet Britain’s next top cyclist
Photograph: Bryn Lennon/ Getty Images
WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE ISLE OF MAN AND CYCLISTS? First Mark Cavendish, 24, establishes himself as the world’s leading sprint cyclist, with 10 stage victories at the 2008 and 2009 Tour de France. Now Peter Kennaugh, four years his junior, has emerged from the tiny island between Britain and Ireland, previously best known for its motorcycle racing. Some are tipping him to be an equally talented, if not better, all-round rider.
“Maybe because it’s such a small place everyone competes against each other – and that rubs off,” offers the 20-year-old. “Forget all this scientific crap such as heart-rate monitors. We just went out there on our bikes and did the miles. Growing up in that sort of environment was a big bonus.”
Cavendish, especially during his extraordinary exploits on the French roads, has never been short on confidence; neither, it would seem, is his occasional training partner. Hailing from a cycling background – his younger brother Tim is also a GB junior rider – Kennaugh was third in the amateur version of last year’s Giro d’Italia and then, in September, he came fourth at the UCI road world championships (under-23) in Mendrisio, Switzerland. All excellent preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October and, of course, the London 2012 Olympics.
When it was announced in January that he was to be part of Team Sky, the new professional cycling squad and brainchild of British Olympic guru Dave Brailsford, Kennaugh took the responsibility in his stride. Considering that he could be competing alongside his hero Lance Armstrong at the 2010 Tour de France, this year promises to be memorable.
“It’s pretty awesome,” he says. “If I had to describe what it is like to be picked for this kind of team, I would say it’s like playing for Manchester United. It is one of the best pro teams in the world. But I feel like I belong.” www.peterkennaugh.com
