Rapha-Condor-Sharp's Kristian House hasn't given up hopes of winning a stage in this year's Tour of Britain despite Wednesday's unsuccessful bid for glory.
House latched onto an attack instigated by Pieter Ghyllebert (An Post-Sean Kelly) and Endura Racing's Jack Bauer during stage four from Welshpool to Caerphilly, but the trio were caught within the final 10km.
However, the ever-combative House insists he'll do all he can to take the first stage victory for a domestic team since the race returned to the calendar in 2004.
"There's nothing else to do," he said jokingly to Cycling Weekly. "Obviously the first task is to look after our team leaders but if we get chance to get up the road we'll do so.
"The domestic teams are looking for that win, but the competition is just as hard as it always is in any race. Over the last two years we've been getting better and better and I think we're edging closer to taking a victory."
Hung out to dry
House started the day 4-12 behind the gold jersey Lars Boom, and for a while he was the leader on the road as the breakaway's advantage passed the five minute mark.
It was the combined efforts of Boom's team Rabobank and Sky meant prevented him from not only staying away, but leading the race.
"I may have been the leader on the road but it was inevitable what was going to happen. Whenever the gap was coming down we rode hard to make our effort last as long as possible.
"They were playing with us at the end," House added.
Related links
Tour of Britain 2011: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
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Tour of Britain 2011: Stage reports
Stage four: Hushovd takes stage in Caerphilly
Stage three: Boom wins stage in Stoke to take lead
Stage two: Stage cancelled, riders parade in Kendal
Stage one: Cavendish wins opening stage of Tour of Britain
Tour of Britain 2011: Photo galleries
By Andy Jones
Stage three photo gallery
Stage two photo gallery
Stage one photo gallery
Tour of Britain 2011: Press conference photo gallery
Tour of Britain 2011: Riders warm up photo gallery
Tour of Britain 2011: Start list
Tour of Britain 2011: Provisional start list
Tour of Britain 2011: TV guide
Tour of Britain 2011: ITV4 TV schedule
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