IG Markets is part of the cycling race that stops the globe, the most iconic cycling event of the year; the Tour de France.
As an official sponsor of Team Sky, we are on the edge of our seats in anticipation of the big race. Over 21 days and 3500 kilometres, the Tour will feature 22 cycling teams, beginning in the beautiful Passage du Gois and finishing down the Champs-Elysees.
Our local rider, Simon Gerrans
Commencing on Saturday 2 July, all eyes will be on Australia's representative in Team Sky, 31-year-old Simon Gerrans. In the 2010 Tour, Gerrans was forced to retire due to injury, so this year he is hoping for a shining comeback. Last year he crashed in the second and third stages, but battled on until the eighth where he tragically broke his arm in another crash.
Gerrans came an impressive third place at Amstel Gold on a hard uphill finish, showing that 2011 may be his year. His previous moment of glory in a Tour was in stage 15 in 2008, on his run into Prato Nevoso when he dropped his breakaway components. There is no doubt he will target the first week of the Tour, where there are many stages containing short, punchy climbs that suit his style.
So join us in this celebration of cycling at its greatest, and to support our Australian rider. There are many ways to keep up with all of the action:
- Follow IG Markets on Twitter for exciting updates
- Follow Team Sky on Twitter for insider cycling information
- Keep up-to-date with all the fanfare on IG Markets' Facebook page
Here at IG Markets, we will be glued to the coverage, keeping up with Team Sky throughout the changing environment of the French countryside, in the most-watched cycling event of the year.
Updated: 01/07/11