THERE is a scene in an episode of Only Fools and Horses made shortly after the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, in which Del Boy tries to flog some dodgy cycling helmets out of a suitcase at the market. “As worn by Chris Boardman,” he tells his would-be customers.

That seemed to sum up the wider attitude of slight bemusement following Boardman’s gold medal-winning ride on the track. Sixteen years on and cycling is no longer a novelty, it is Britain’s most successful Olympic sport.

A British-backed professional team to rival the biggest in the world is in development and could be launched in time for the 2010 season, but in the short-term a first home winner of the Tour of Britain for almost 20 years would ensure momentum is maintained.

Double gold medal-winner Bradley Wiggins makes his first road-race appearance since returning from Beijing when the tour gets under way with a circuit race in central London this afternoon. Geraint Thomas, who like Wiggins was part of the world-record- breaking team pursuit squad, is the other gold medallist in the 96-strong field. Chris Newton, who won a bronze medal in the points race in Beijing, leads the British-based Rapha Condor Recycling team.

All three are uncertain of their road form, so the British challenge is likely to come from elsewhere. Londoner Wiggins said: “I haven’t been able to do much training on the road since I got back so it will be a case of taking it one day at a time.”

Thomas said: “I’ve been rushed off my feet since I got back from Beijing. Hopefully I can take it easy the first couple of days until I get my legs back. I’ll work for my team and perhaps get a chance to go for glory on a stage towards the end.”

Newton added: “I’m sure everyone would love to see a British winner and there could be a good chance with someone like Steve Cummings or David Millar.”

At eight days, it is the longest Tour of Britain since the event’s revival in 2004. Starting with 10 laps of an 8.6km circuit in London today, it concludes in Liverpool a week today. On the way, it takes in the West Country, the Midlands, the northeast and Scotland before finishing in Europe’s capital of culture.

You have to go back to 1989 to find the last British winner. That was Scotland’s Robert Millar. Since 2004, the best British finish has been ninth, by Yanto Barker in 2005 and Russell Downing in 2006. This year, David Millar, Cummings and Downing have hopes of a high finish.

Lionel Birnie works for Cycling Weekly