installing new gear cable in Shimano 105

I’m trying to install a new gear cable on a Shimano 105 front brifter. I have pulled back the rubber hood, and inserted the cable in the bottom (that’s what I said). When the cable appears at the top, it catches on the handlebar tape. I am having trouble guiding it further down the line, even with the help of a screwdriver.

What is the easiest way out of this? Will I remove part of the handlebar tape?

?

Tape removal is the easiest unfortunately, can be done with guidance from a small flat screwdriver but is fiddly and some luck required.

@possum-hunter thank you. I have done so. The tape is slightly looser. Is that just because it was re-installed, or because of how I did it?

Possibly a little of both, the tape originally may have had a sticky back which would have held it in place and it is good to wind the tape onto the bars with a reasonable amount of tension.

@possum-hunter Got it done, thank you!

No worries 😊