Giro d’Italia next stop on Sean Flynn’s ‘nice journey’

Flynn and fellow countryman, Oscar Onley, made history at last year’s Tour de France with it being the first time two Scots competed in the event.

Onley went on to finish fourth, equalling the best performance by a Scottish rider, while team-mate Flynn was 134th in the general classification after more than 81 hours in the saddle.

“Over the last couple of years we have become used to, alongside Oscar, taking on this ‘first Scot in a while’ kind of a thing and that is always a nice reminder of where we have managed to get to and what we are doing.

“In a few years it is not going to be so unusual to have Scots at the start of these races so maybe I play a small part in that which is cool.

“I don’t really compare myself too much with Oscar. What he has achieved is just incredible and I am proud to have been a small part in that at times.

“I suppose here I am starting a race where he isn’t. I’m sure Oscar will be along to the Giro soon to probably get his arms in the air. I will have to up my game to be able to get to that stage before him.

“For me, the main goal there is to help Casper van Uden our sprinter to take a stage win like he did last year.”

Flynn is one half of a Scottish cycling power couple. His girlfriend, Lauren Dickson, is making her mark at the elite level of the women’s road racing scene, where she rides for leading team FDJ-Suez.

“We do help each other a lot,” said Flynn. “Her journey has been really inspiring and does give me a lot of encouragement. I also think I have played my part in helping her to get to the place she is now and that is really nice that we can do that together.”