‘Lucky' Tanfield gets 11th hour spot at Qhubeka-Assos

Ribble-Weldtite clause saved Tanfield’s euro career, reports Vern Pitt

- Vern Pitt

Harry Tanfield, who last month was resetting his sights on the UK scene having not been able to find a new role in the WorldTour, has at the last gasp been signed to Qhubeka-Assos.

Tanfield, a strong rouleur and time trial rider, had been set to move from Ag2r La Mondiale to Ribble-Weldtite for 2021. But he had an understanding with the British squad, as many top domestic riders do, that he could take up an offer from a higher-level team if it came. Last week Qhubeka-Assos, formerly NTT, announced they had signed the Brit.

Speaking to Cycling Weekly, Tanfield revealed he didn’t have to return any kit or equipment to Ribble as the jersey he had posed in for the publicity shot had been borrowed. “I was about to buy my girlfriend a special edition pink jersey they had on Black Friday but then they were on back order so I didn’t. Three days later I got an offer from Qhubeka-Assos,” he said.