Matty Bostock and Ben Swift have been in fine form at the OVO Energy Tour of Britain over the last few days.

Team Ineos’s reigning British National Road Race Champion Swift and Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes rider Bocky finished in fifth and ninth places respectively at the end of the opening stage from Glasgow to Kirkcudbright on Saturday.

Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) crossed the line in 30th and Wiggins Le Col ace Mark Christian was 80th all in the same time as the winner Dylan Groenewegen of Jumbo Visma.

Onchan resident Swift recorded another top-10 result on the second stage into the Scottish Borders market town of Kelso, crossing the line in sixth, while Christian was 36th, Bostock 78th and Cavendish 86th.

Monday’s third stage saw riders tackle a 183.2-kilometre route from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle-upon-Tyne and once more ended in a sprint finish.

Dutchman Groenewegen claimed another victory while Swift led the local charge in 14th place, with Christian 52nd, Cavendish 84th just ahead of Bocky in 86th.

These results mean that Swift is lying well up in seventh place on general classification heading into today, Tuesday’s, fourth stage and also sixth in the points class, while Bocky is 18th in the latter classification.

Ineos are leading the team classification while Cav’s Dimension Data are fourth.

The Tour of Britain continues until Saturday when it ends in Manchester.

SWIFT EXTENDS CONTRACT

Prior to the Tour of Britain, is was confirmed that Ben Swift has signed a new contract with Team Ineos until 2021.

The British champion commented: ’I feel like I’ve found a renewed enthusiasm and motivation for the sport this year, so this new contract feels rewarding for many reasons. I think that’s down to the team and the way I’ve been riding this year.

’When you’re really happy somewhere and the environment of the team suits you like it does for me here, it really helps you to get the very best out of yourself.

’I don’t think anybody was expecting me to get back to the levels I’ve achieved this year (after an early-season training crash that resulted in a ruptured spleen), so it’s hugely satisfying. It’s been a really pleasing season so far.

’It’s been a really targeted process for me all season - I sat down with my coach, Conor Taylor, at the start of the year and mapped it all out. That relationship has been key and he’s really got the best out of me this year.

’We’ve stuck to the plan, even when the crash slightly disrupted things, and now we’re working towards the World Championships.’

LIZZIE BEST YOUNG

RIDER IN TUSCANY

Isle of Man cycling star Lizzie Holden has continued her excellent run of form with more impressive results in Italy, this time at the Premondiale Giro Toscana Int. Femminile.

The Drops Cycling ace claimed finishes of 14th, 19th and sixth during the three-day race and duly won the youth classification.

More in Thursday’s Indy.