Bahrain Victorious rider Pickerings mad dash pays off in Grand Tour debut

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Bahrain Victorious rider Finlay Pickering had to scramble to make it to Turin in time for the Vuelta a Espanas start, arriving without his luggage after being drafted in as a last-minute replacement.

The 22-year-old Briton received a call to replace injured teammate Damiano Caruso less than 24 hours before the opening stage began, triggering a frantic journey involving a 200-km taxi ride from Andorra to Toulouse and a flight delay.

He went on to finish Saturdays first stage in 153rd place.

It was actually really lucky, because I had a problem with a pair of training wheels and they were in a bike shop, so I was a bit late going out training, Pickering told reporters.

I was on the way to pick them up when I got a call from management saying How quickly can I be in an airport? Well, if I drive fast, I guess the answers - pretty quick... The first flight was delayed, so I didnt get my suitcase.

But at least I managed to pack two pairs of shoes (in hand luggage) so I can start today. Ive got a set of boxers, a set of socks, and the team are really good at looking after me, so - no stress.

Pickering has never previously competed in a Grand Tour, but he did not seem daunted by the prospect.

Im pretty ready. Im a bike rider and this is a bike race, after all - even if its a pretty big one, he added. REUTERS