Bristol-based cyclist Tom Southam insists Rapha Condor's steady start to the Tour of Britain has raised hopes that they can claim a stage win before the week is out.

The Cornwall-born cyclist came home 43rd and 46th over the weekend and is 47th overall in the general classification.

Clifton's Simon Richardson, who also rides for Rapha Condor, is close behind in 51st but Southam, who has represented Great Britain at five World Championships, believes they have laid the platform for a successful week.

Team-mate and British Road Race champion Kristian House is handily placed in 21st in the general classification and Southam said: "We will see how we go but the team is in great shape and we will keep being aggressive and working hard.

"I'm feeling really good, but you have to take any opportunity that comes along and be prepared for it."

More than 3,000 people turned out yesterday to watch a dramatic second day as Dutch rider Kai Reus overhauled Australian Chris Sutton to take the yellow jersey.

Rabobank rider Reus, along with Tanel Kangert and Thomas De Gendt, broke away from the peleton with 42km remaining and he held off their challenge to romp home.

Nailsea-based Australian Darren Lapthorne had a weekend to forget and is struggling back in 98th in the general classification.

● The Tour of Britain is the UK's biggest free to attend sporting event, attracting over a million spectators per year to towns, cities and communities across the country. For further information, visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk