David Vant takes the "maillot jeune" in the sprint stage of the Le Tour de Mid Kent. Helped by the fact that he was the only registered competitor (i.e. the only one who knew he was in a race), he completed the stage (shortened to 23 miles due to time constraints) in record time. Racing past familes out for a gentle ride, the odd kid on a BMX and one old granny on a mobility scooter (obviously trying to gain an unfair advantage), he averaged 14.25m mph over gently undulating terrain. The one climb was a modest one up to Le Col de East Sutton.
Despite being so far ahead of the peloton, the stage was made all the more difficult as he had no lead out man to help pace him to the final sprint finish. However, completely unchallanged, this did not matter as he crossed the line in first place.
Making full use of a six day rest break, the second and final stage will take place next Saturday and will be a mountain stage, climing Mt Les North Downs. Le grand depart will be in Canterbury with the finish line being 35 miles later at home.
It will take some doing to lose the maillot jeune now!
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