TEAM Raleigh GAC star Ian Wilkinson admitted the late entry of his squad for the Tour of Yorkshire meant they were determined to put on a show during last weekend’s three-day race.

Race organisers initially omitted Raleigh from the startlist before later adding them in and Barnoldswick’s Wilkinson, who raced to an impressive 15th place on stage two, believes his squad did themselves justice having placed two riders in the top 26 overall in Steve Lampier and Karol Domagalski.

“We weren’t in the initial list of teams and that was in our minds,” said Wilkinson. “We knew we had to go out there and show ourselves and show off the colours and I think we did that.

“Ultimately that is what counts. It was a massive race, it was live on TV and you have to show yourselves for the sponsors.

“I think it was the right decision to bring us in.”

And the 35-year-old was pleased with his own form, particularly given the quality of opposition.

“I don’t think anyone thought it was going to be easy,” said Wilkinson.

“I always knew that stage one and stage three were not going to suit me but that’s why we had a team and Karol and Steve rode fantastically well to finish in the front group on Sunday.

“I was in the mix in stage two so I am happy with that and I think we can be happy as a team.

“I was holding position on the last half a lap or so but I came into the straight just off the pace and at 50kmh you are not going to get back on. I made a couple of places up on the finishing straight but I was pleased.

“You are racing the best riders in the world. You had Thomas Voeckler and Greg Van Avermaet and these are the best there is.

“I think the biggest difference was the constant change of speed. These guys have so much racing in their legs that they can do that.”

“But I thought as a team we did very well.”