Dubbed the ‘Lenny Henry Prize’ by some race commentators, the Premier Inn prize for the best-placed British rider on each stage was almost the exclusive reserve of Owain Doull.

The Team WIGGINS man was riding in preparation for the track season but continued what has been a great year on the road with third place overall and his third points classification win of the season.

The Welshman, 22, has become a key cog in the team pursuit machine on the track but turned down a reported offer from Team Europcar to turn to road racing full-time in the winter.

On this showing, however, having been a perennial top-ten finisher in all terrains and given his time-trialling pedigree too – he was second in the national under-23 time trial – more offers will surely come in future.

For now, however, his form is clearly in a good place ahead of the track season and after countryman Geraint Thomas played an integral part in the 2012 team pursuit win it will be little surprise to see Doull flying the Welsh flag in Rio next year.

As mentioned previously, part of the Tour of Britain’s attraction is the chance young British riders have to prove themselves at the top level.

The last young Brit to get himself on the Tour of Britain podium was Simon Yates, who was second overall in 2013, and Doull looks to have the talent to turn out just as well when the time comes.